When I think of Saskatoon, it’s the Canadian city that immediately pops to mind. It is only recently that I discovered that you could also learn how to grow saskatoon berries. In previous posts we have already covered how to grow elderberries, how to grow kiwi berries and how to grow honeyberries. Who knew there were so many different berries growing out there in this world?
Their scientific name is Amelanchier Alnifolia and they are mainly grown in the North Western region of North America, that includes Alaska. Although the fruit looks similar to blueberries in color and size, it actually resembles an apple more than a berry. Taste wise, they have a sweet, nutty almond like taste. Health wise these berries are choke full of antioxidants, high in Vitamin C and fiber as well as low in calories. Other nutrients include calcium, carotene, copper, magnesium, potassium, iron and manganese.
Here’s What You’ll Need:
- saskatoon berries seeds or cuttings
- compost
- water
- pruning shears
- drip irrigation (optional)
You can easily grow them from seeds or propagate from cuttings. There is also the option of grafting, if you prefer that. Make sure you plant your berries in well drained soil, the recommended row spacing is 3 to 6 feet. To mimic their natural growing conditions you may also want to ensure you have a slight slope in the location that you plant them.
Water them regularly, actually it maybe easier to just install a drip irrigation system. Keep an eye out for deer, mice, rabbits and grasshoppers. The best time for pruning the plants is in early spring after the last frost. They should start bearing fruit within the first 2 to 4 years. Harvesting can be done by hand, simply snap off the bunches before they over ripen.
You can get more information on the Contractor Quotes blog, here…
You can watch the video below on Growing Saskatoons at The Saskatoon Farm…
You can watch the video below on Growing Saskatoon Berry from seed @ The Hagon Jones…
You can watch the video below on Saskatoon Berry Tree Propagation…