Reka Tara blueberries offer home gardeners delicious fruit and attractive foliage. Their adaptable nature makes them a popular choice for many climates. Understanding their specific needs for planting and care ensures a bountiful harvest.
Understanding Reka Tara Blueberries
Reka Tara blueberries are a vigorous, fast-growing Northern Highbush variety, originally developed in New Zealand. They have a strong, upright growth habit, typically reaching 4 to 6 feet tall with a similar spread, making them manageable for gardens or containers. The berries are medium to large, dark blue, with a rich, sweet-tart flavor, ripening early in the season. Beyond fruit, they offer ornamental value with white blossoms in late spring and deep-green foliage that turns burgundy red in fall. They are cold-hardy, thriving in USDA Zones 4 to 8, and require 800 to 1000 chill hours for optimal fruit production.
Planting Reka Tara Blueberries
Selecting the right location is important. These plants perform best in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for maximum fruit production. While partial shade is tolerated, fruit yields may be reduced.
Soil preparation is crucial; Reka Tara blueberries require acidic, well-draining soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. Incorporating organic matter (peat moss, compost, or pine bark) helps achieve desired acidity and improves drainage. Space bushes 5 to 6 feet apart to allow for mature size and air circulation. Plant dormant bushes with the stem base at or slightly above soil level (1 to 2 inches), then backfill with amended soil and water deeply.
Caring for Reka Tara Blueberries
Watering
Consistent moisture is important for Reka Tara blueberries. Regular watering is necessary, especially during dry periods and fruit development. Newly planted bushes require more frequent watering (two to three times per week) until established. Apply a 2 to 3-inch layer of organic mulch (pine bark or sawdust) around the base to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. Mulch also suppresses weeds, which compete for water and nutrients.
Fertilizing
Reka Tara blueberries do not require excessive fertilization, but occasional feeding can enhance productivity. Use a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants, or cottonseed meal. Apply fertilizer in early spring before new growth, or use a slow-release granular product. Avoid fertilizers containing nitrates, as blueberries are sensitive to them.
Pruning
Annual pruning maintains health and productivity. Prune during the dormant season (late winter or early spring) before new growth. In the first year, remove flower blossoms to encourage root development. For mature bushes, prune to remove dead, damaged, or weak canes and to improve air circulation and light penetration. Remove about 30% of growth, prioritizing older canes (over 6 years) which produce less fruit, and allowing younger, more productive canes (2 to 5 years old) to flourish.
Managing Pests and Diseases
Reka Tara blueberries are generally hardy and resistant to pests and diseases. Common pests include aphids, fruit flies (e.g., spotted wing drosophila), and whiteflies, which can weaken plants or damage fruit. Fungal diseases like mummy berry, Phomopsis twig dieback, and anthracnose can affect blueberries, especially with poor air circulation or excessive moisture. Good cultural practices, such as proper spacing, adequate air flow from pruning, and keeping the area clean, help prevent many problems. If disease is suspected, promptly remove affected plant parts to limit spread.
Harvesting Reka Tara Blueberries
Reka Tara blueberries typically ripen in early July. Indicators of ripeness include a full, dark blue color. Blueberries turn blue before they are fully ripe; flavor develops for several days after coloring.
To determine ripeness, gently roll a berry between your thumb and palm; a ripe berry detaches easily. If you have to tug, it is not yet ready. Harvest in the early morning after dew has dried to maintain fruit quality. Store freshly picked blueberries in the refrigerator for several weeks.