Currants

'Red Lake' is a very productive currant that reaches four to five feet tall and is grown in many parts of the world. Introduced in 1933, plants have large clusters of red, medium-size fruits, excellent for use in jellies, fruit salads, and desserts.

Currants, Only at the U

Researchers are developing a black currant hardy in Minnesota. Black currants, loaded with vitamin C and other antioxidants, have been popular in Europe for decades, especially for juice and jellies. Look for plants in 3 to 4 years.

Raspberries

'Redwing' is a productive, early fall bearing, hardy raspberry. Raspberries grow in a wide range of soil types, but the ideal environment is well-drained subsoil, with full sunlight and good air circulation.

Blueberries

Blueberry plants have a profusion of miniature white blossoms in late spring. And, their leaves are glossy green in summer and have outstanding maroon or orange foliage in autumn.

Blueberry growing presents a challenge for many gardeners because plants require acidic, well-drained soils. Most soil--where the native pH of the soil is less than 7.0--can be amended to make them suitable.

Blueberries have been grown at research stations in Minnesota since the 1910s. In 1967, a blueberry breeding program was initiated to develop cold-hardy, low-stature ("half-high"), high quality, large fruited cultivars. The first varieties released from this effort, 'Northblue,' 'Northsky,' and 'Northcountry' avoid low-temperature injury by their cold-tolerant buds and a low stature that allows part of the bearing surface to be covered by snow. The more recent introductions, 'St. Cloud,' 'Chippewa,' and 'Polaris' can reach chest-high at maturity and also have hardy buds. Plant more than one variety for effective pollination.

Blueberries, Only at the U

Horticultural scientists are breeding blueberries for good flavor and larger size, with a firm snappy texture. And they are working to combine extreme cold hardiness with taller plant stature. Why? Because the fruit is easier to pick!

Strawberries

Highly attractive plants, strawberries can be grown as a ground cover or landscape ornamental as well as for fruit production in a traditional bed. With adequate winter protection, strawberries may be grown throughout Minnesota.

Since 1980, the University has worked with the USDA to develop new strawberry varieties, with the goal of developing high-quality, hardy, and firm berries. It's a long winnowing process: Initial crosses are made in Maryland, and the most disease-resistant plants are sent to Minnesota where they are planted at the North Central Research & Outreach Center at Grand Rapids and at the Horticultural Research Center near the Twin Cities. In the second summer, the fruit is evaluated: for some it may be small, tasteless, or too acid or tannic tasting. Plants that don't survive the winter or show signs of disease or mold are eliminated. Only a small percentage are good enough to save, and the best plants are set out in rows and monitored for two years.

In the final stage, test plots are added at the West Central Research & Outreach Center at Morris. The harvests are evaluated--berries are measured and the yield is weighed--for two more years. If the variety is a winner, it is sent to nurseries where it will be propagated for two more years. That may seem like a long process, but strawberries yield fruit in their second year--grapes and apples keep breeders in suspense until fruit appears four or five years after planting.

Strawberries, Only at the U

'Itasca' (TM) is an early season, June-bearing plant that is hardy and productive. Its richly colored berries have a tart flavor and are good for jams and pies. 'Itasca' (TM) will be available nationally in 2006.