Lonicera caerulea 'Honeyberry'

[Ex. Alpes Maritimes, France]

Caprifoliaceae: a deciduous shrub growing to 2m. Found near wetlands of boreal forests in heavy peat soils, but it also can be found in high-calcium soils, in mountains, and along the coasts. The flowers are yellowish-white, 12–16mm long, with five equal lobes; they are produced in pairs on the shoots, blooming from April-May. The fruit is an edible, blue berry about 1 cm in diameter. The leaves are opposite, oval, 3–8cm long and 1–3cm broad, glaucous green, with a slightly waxy texture. Native to North Eastern Europe. Northern North America - Newfoundland to Alaska and southwards.

USES:

The fruit can be eaten raw or preserved. They have milder flavour than most edible honeysuckles, they can be eaten raw but are mainly used in making jams, jellies and refreshing drinks.

GROWING INFORMATION:

The seed requires 2 months cold stratification and should be sown from autumn through to early spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. GA3 [Gibberellic acid] work well with all Lonicera species.

HARVESTED: 2023*

 
APPROX. 50 SEEDS