Blueberry Plants, Reka

Sku:
#BLRK253
$27.75
$20.50

Description

(Vaccinium corymbosum). Your order contains 3 plants. In 1969, the USDA sent blueberry seeds to New Zealand to help improve blueberry production there. Reka blueberry is a product of that effort. Released for sale in 1985, Reka bears sweet, crack-resistant berries of medium size, perfect for fresh eating, canning, preserving, and pies! Reka can tolerate a wide range of climates and soil types, and many people say it’s the closest thing to a wild blueberry you’ll find for cultivation! As a bonus, the foliage turns a beautiful burgundy red in fall!

  • Perennial in USDA zones 4-8
  • Days to harvest: 60-90 days from flowering
  • Sun exposure: 6-8 hours of full to partial sun
  • Planting depth: base of the stem should be at soil level
  • Plant spacing: 36 to 48 inches
  • Ideal temperature: 60°F to 75°F
  • Frost hardy? Yes

Growing Tips, Tricks and FAQs

Growing Tips

Reka blueberries thrive in acidic, well-draining soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. Regular mulching helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain soil acidity. Prune annually to encourage airflow and fruit production. Reka is prized for its vigorous growth, cold hardiness, and early, flavorful berries. Plant with at least one other highbush variety to improve pollination and yield.

When to Grow

Plant Reka blueberry starts in early spring or late fall while the plant is dormant. Spring planting is ideal in colder zones to avoid frost damage to young roots. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Choose a sunny spot with acidic, sandy loam soil. Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball, and place the plant so that the base of the stem is at soil level. Set the plant so the crown sits 1–2 inches above soil level. Backfill with amended soil, water deeply, and apply an organic mulch to protect roots and conserve moisture.

How to Grow

Water regularly—1 to 2 inches per week—especially during flowering and fruiting. Fertilize in early spring with an acid-loving plant fertilizer, then again after fruiting. Prune in late winter, removing weak or old canes to promote vigorous new growth. Protect ripening fruit from birds using netting if necessary.

How to Save

  • Softwood Cuttings: Take cuttings in late spring or early summer and root in moist, sterile medium.
  • Hardwood Cuttings: Collect dormant cuttings in late fall or winter and root indoors.
  • Layering: Bend a low-growing cane to the soil, cover with soil, and wait for roots to form before cutting.
  • Division: Rarely used, but mature plants can be carefully divided at the root crown.

FAQ

How soon will Reka blueberry plants produce fruit?
Reka blueberries typically begin bearing small harvests in their second year, with full yields by the third or fourth year. Proper pruning and care speed up maturity and boost early fruit production.

 

Can I grow Reka blueberries in containers?
Yes! Reka blueberries grow well in large containers filled with acidic potting mix. Containers are ideal for managing soil pH and are perfect for patios or small gardens in cooler climates.

 

Do Reka blueberry plants need another variety for pollination?
While Reka is self-fertile, planting it with another Northern highbush variety significantly improves fruit size and yield. Cross-pollination ensures better berry production and a longer harvest window.

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