Boreal Blizzard Haskap

Species: Lonicera caerulea

History: Boreal Blizzard was developed by Bob Bors at the University of Saskatchewan as part of the Boreal series of haskaps. The goal of the Boreal series is to cross haskaps from Russia, Japan, and the Kuril Islands to create superior cultivars with the best qualities of all three strains. While Boreal Blizzard is only a cross between Russian and Japanese varieties, it has produced some of the largest berries the breeding program has seen while boasting good flavour!

Why We Grow It: Boreal Blizzard produces exceptionally large berries that are meaty and sweet. This heavy cropper is ideal for U-pick operations and small farms where the larger berries make them more suitable for hand-picking. 

Canadian Hardiness Zone: 2

Soil Preference: Prefers average conditions and well-drained soil but is adaptable to anything except clay

Growth Habits and Disease Resistance: Shrub grows about 2m tall, has an upright growth habit and produces heavy crops. Resistant to powdery mildew.

Sun/Shade: Full sun (approx. 8-10 hours of sun daily)

Pollination: Requires a pollinator of a different haskap variety to produce fruit

Flowering Time: Middle 

Bloom Colour: Greenish-white

Ripens: Mid to late July, let it sit out a few days to ripen further for optimal sweetness

Storage: Keeps about a week when stored in the fridge

Recommended Use: Fresh eating, juice, jelly

Height Above Soil Line: 30cm+