Description
Thiessen Saskatoon is a deciduous shrub that produces delicious edible fruit. It is one of the most productive saskatoon varieties. Its fruit is great in pies, preserves or eating fresh. It produces small blue round berries which are usually ready for picking from late spring to early summer. The berries have a sweet taste. Thiessen Saskatoon will grow to be about 15 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 8 feet, typical clearance of 2 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 25 years. This is a self-pollinating variety, so it doesn't require a second plant nearby to set fruit.
This shrub is quite ornamental as well as edible, and is as much at home in a landscape or flower garden as it is in a designated edibles garden. It does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out.
Care Instructions
Light: Plant in full sun for the best fruit production. Saskatoon berries thrive with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. They can tolerate partial shade, but fruiting may be less abundant.
Watering: Regular watering is important, especially during dry periods. However, ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging. Once established, Saskatoon berries are drought-tolerant.
Soil: Saskatoon berries prefer well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 5.5–7.0. Sandy or loamy soil is ideal. Avoid heavy clay soils that retain too much moisture.
Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins. You can also apply compost or well-rotted manure in the fall to enrich the soil.
Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged wood. Regular pruning encourages better air circulation and promotes new growth. Aim to remove about 20% of the older wood each year to improve fruiting
Mulching: Apply mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Keep the mulch away from the stem to avoid rot.
Pollination: Saskatoon berry plants are self-pollinating but will benefit from having multiple plants nearby to improve fruit set and yield.
Support: Saskatoon berry plants are generally upright and don’t require support, but a stake or trellis can help if the plant is growing in a windy location.
Harvesting: Harvest the berries when they are fully ripe, typically in late spring to early summer (June to July). The berries should be dark purple to black, firm, and easily detach from the plant.
By following these care instructions, your Saskatoon berry plant will thrive and provide you with a bountiful, delicious harvest of berries year after year