These plants ship November through May from Pense Berry Farms in Mountainburg, Arkansas. Orders placed between May 21 and October 31 ship in November and December. Online orders of products from Pense Berry Farms require a $150.00 minimum. For smaller orders, please contact us.
1-gallon container.
Honeyberry 'Tundra'
Key Characteristics
Origin: 'Tundra' is a Honeyberry cultivar (Lonicera caerulea), also known as Haskap or Blue Honeysuckle. It was developed at the **University of Saskatchewan** in Canada and released as part of their early-ripening series. It is known for its cold hardiness and relatively large fruit size for an early variety.
Berry Production: Produces elongated, medium to large-sized, blue berries with a flavor often described as a cross between a blueberry and a raspberry, with a slightly tangy or "zingy" note. The berries of 'Tundra' are generally firm, making them suitable for fresh eating and processing. It is considered a high-yielding early variety.
Ripening Time: 'Tundra' is an early-ripening Honeyberry, typically maturing in late spring to early summer (May-June), often one of the first berries to ripen in the season, preceding strawberries in many areas.
Plant Size and Appearance: 'Tundra' is a compact, deciduous shrub with a somewhat upright growth habit, typically reaching a mature height and spread of 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 meters). It has attractive, gray-green foliage.
Flowers: Produces small, inconspicuous, pale yellow or whitish, tubular flowers in early spring (March-April). Honeyberries bloom very early, and the flowers are frost-tolerant.
Hardiness: 'Tundra' is extremely cold hardy, well-suited for USDA Zones 2 through 7 (some sources say up to Zone 8 with adequate moisture). It can withstand very low winter temperatures.
Pollination: Honeyberries require cross-pollination with another genetically distinct, compatible cultivar for good fruit set and yield. 'Tundra' is not self-fertile. Recommended pollinizers for 'Tundra' include 'Borealis', 'Indigo Gem', 'Honeybee', 'Polar Jewel', or 'Polar Spring', ensuring they have overlapping bloom times. Planting at least two different varieties is essential.
Growing Conditions:
Sunlight: Prefers full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight) for optimal fruit production. It can tolerate some partial shade, but yields may be reduced.
Soil: Adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand, but prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It is more tolerant of slightly alkaline soils than blueberries but thrives in a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0.
Watering: Requires consistent moisture, especially during establishment, flowering, and fruit development. Mature plants have some drought tolerance but will produce best with regular watering.
Fertilizing: Benefits from a balanced fertilizer applied in early spring. Avoid excessive nitrogen.
Pruning: Requires minimal pruning, mainly to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Pruning is best done after harvest or in late winter. Mature plants may benefit from thinning out older wood to encourage new growth.
Uses: The early berries are excellent for:
Fresh eating
Making jams, jellies, and preserves
Baking into pies and muffins
Freezing
Juice production
Wildlife Value: The early flowers attract pollinators, and the berries are a food source for birds. Netting may be needed to protect the crop from birds.
Ornamental Value: 'Tundra' has an attractive, compact growth habit and can be used in edible landscaping. The gray-green foliage provides a nice backdrop for other plants.
Disease and Pest Resistance: Honeyberries are generally considered to be relatively pest and disease-free. Powdery mildew can sometimes occur but usually doesn't significantly impact plant health or yield. Deer may browse young plants.
