The blueberry ‘Patriot’ (Vaccinium corymbosum x angustifolium) is a sturdy, early-season variety known for its resilience, particularly in clay or wetter soils, where it shows increased resistance to root diseases. This hardy plant yields a large, firm berry, both sweet and juicy, and its harvest extends into mid-season, making it a consistent producer. The blueberry ‘Patriot’ is also an excellent pollinator for other varieties.

As acid-loving plants, blueberries grow best in acidic (pH 4 to 5.3), organic-rich soil. You can replicate their bog environment by adding pure sphagnum moss to the existing soil. Although they are drought-tolerant, blueberry roots are shallow and need constant moisture to produce large, juicy berries, so organic mulch, ideally from conifer wood or needles, is beneficial. Good drainage is essential.

You’ll enjoy your first harvest a year after planting, with productivity continuing for 20 to 30 years as long as you prune aging wood that no longer produces as well, ideally in late winter. Planting a mix of early, mid, and late varieties ensures a harvest season stretching from early to late summer. Blueberries are partially self-fertile, but cross-pollination with other varieties enhances fruit size and yield. A staple in edible bog landscapes.