Choose the 'Blue Banana' Haskap, a unique and captivating variety that revolutionizes the fruit garden with its banana-shaped berries and irresistible flavor! This vigorous haskap produces a profusion of very large, sweet fruits, perfect for fresh picking. With unwavering hardiness against harsh climates and rapid growth, 'Blue Banana' brings a touch of originality and abundance to your summer harvests.

Harvest: production and flavors

The 'Blue Banana' Haskap is distinguished by its generous mid-season to late fruiting. Its original, long, and fleshy fruits are greatly appreciated for their high sugar content and their unusual aromatic profile.

• Harvest period: Late June - Mid-July
• Visual description: Very large blue berries, elongated and slightly curved, evoking the shape of a banana. They take on an intense blue-violet hue under a velvety bloom.
• Flavor profile: Exceptionally soft and sweet. It develops complex and sought-after taste notes that evoke an exquisite blend of smoky strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry.
• Culinary uses: Ideal for fresh consumption directly from the bush. It also excels in the preparation of original desserts, gourmet jams, pies, juices, or to enhance your smoothies. Freezes beautifully.

Planting guide

To ensure the success of your 'Blue Banana' haskap, follow these key steps:

1. Ideal location: Install your 'Blue Banana' in full sun to maximize photosynthesis and concentrate sugars in the berries. Light partial shade is tolerated but will slightly reduce yield. Choose a clear, open site.
2. Soil preparation: This cultivar thrives in loose, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Although adaptable to various soil types, it prefers a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0 to 7.0). Generously enrich the native soil with quality compost.
3. Planting: Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot. Position the root ball so that the collar is flush with the soil level. Fill with the amended soil mixture, then gently compact to remove air pockets. Space plants 1.2 to 1.5 meters (4 to 5 feet) apart.
4. Pollination:
   • Type: Requires cross-pollination. 'Blue Banana' blooms a little later and needs a compatible partner to ensure abundant fruit set.
   • Suggested partners: Pair it with mid-season to late varieties. Cultivars like 'Boreal Beast', 'Honey Gin', or 'Happy Giant' are excellent pollinator choices.

Maintenance guide

• Watering: Maintain regular watering to keep the soil uniformly moist, especially during the planting year and fruit development. Applying mulch helps stabilize soil moisture.
• Fertilization: Fertilize early in spring with a natural berry fertilizer or a top dressing of well-rotted compost. This stimulates spring vigor and supports berry production.
• Pruning: With rapid growth and an upright habit, it requires little initial intervention. After a few years, practice thinning pruning in late winter to remove old wood (more than 5 years old) and encourage the renewal of fruiting branches.
• Protection:
  • Against birds: The shape and color of these large berries quickly attract feathered gourmands. Deploy bird netting as soon as the fruits change color.
  • Winter: With full hardiness down to Zone 2, 'Blue Banana' perfectly tolerates the harshest Quebec winters without additional protection.