Growing blueberries for the first time in Our Charming Backyard Butterfly Garden unveiled the harmony and beauty in nature’s craftsmanship. We were unaware of the complex process behind fruit production.
Did you know the plants journey through 21 growth phases?
Join us as we share our journey through 19 growth phases, leading to the production of our very first blueberry.
On September 17, 2023, we brought home our first Rabbiteye Powder Blue and Brightwell Blueberry bushes and welcomed them into our garden.
Throughout October and November, there wasn’t a hint of change. Meanwhile, our three dogs kept watch for any new adventures.
On December 4, 2023, the near-freezing temperatures transformed the leaves into vibrant colors. The hues remind us of the festive Christmas season.
December 20, 2023, the plant grew into new phases called Shoot Expansion and Bud Swell.
In January 2024, we saw more Shoot Expansion and Bud Swelling.
In February, the plants entered into new phases called Early Green Tips, Bud Bursts, Late Green Tips and Tight Clusters.
On Valentine’s Day, we enjoyed the Bud Bursts phase. The tip of the bud gently opened up and revealed a beautiful flower on its journey to become a fruit.
On February 19, 2024, the flowers grew into the next phases called Tight Clusters and the Late Green Tips.
On February 22, 2024, we moved the blueberry beauties into their new cedar planters! We were a bit apprehensive to disrupt their progress so it took us a few more days to gather the courage to officially plant them.
On Feb 23, 2024 – the very next day – we noticed the beautiful Early Pink Buds, the next phase.
On March 2, 2024, the flowers grew into a kaleidoscope of spring colors in the Early Pink Bud phase. The hues are reminiscent of the Easter season!
On March 6, 2024, they entered into the next phases called Late Pink Buds, Early Blooms, and Full Blooms.
On March 9, 2024, they entered into the Full Blooms phase and showcased their beautiful white flowers.
On March 15, 2024, a Sonoran Bumble Bee dropped by to pollinate all the Full Blooms. Pollination is essential for fruit production. We wouldn’t have fruit without this busy little bee. Each time we saw it busy at work we sent it thoughts of gratitude!
Our beagle Tabasco decided to photobomb the moment.
Once the bumble bee pollinates all the Full Blooms the plant enters into the Petal Fall phase.
On April 8, 2024, the blueberries entered into the Early Green Fruit phase.
April 23, 2024, the fruits moved into the Late Green Fruit phase.
May 3, 2024, a rainstorm swept through. It left us a sparkling display of raindrops as it hydrated the fruit.
It’s in the next phase called Shoot Tip Set. In this phase, the plant sets the tips of the branches. This will pause the new growth.
It’s May 20th and we have our first blueberry! Woo hoo!
And, our second blueberry is on the brink of a blue-tiful transformation!
They’ve entered the 10% Blue phase! The journey continues through a few more stages until all the fruit turns a brilliant blue at 25% and then 75%. Once all the fruit is picked, the final phase called Fruit Bud Sets kicks in. Then a fresh new cycle starts all over again.
And there we have it! The creation of a blueberry—a magnificent display of beauty and creativity, all wrapped up in one delicious fruit called a blueberry.
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