Have you heard of pink lemonade blueberries? Though the sweet, rose-colored fruit is a completely new concept to many of us, for Carrie Underwood, it's old hat.
The singer took to Instagram with a nearly full jar of the intriguing berries. She states: 'I went down to the orchard to feed Sugar and the sheep and thought I’d check to see if the pink lemonade blueberries were almost ready. Turns out, some were ready to be picked! What joy!.' Before we'd even heard of them, Carrie was growing the blueberries.
So, what are pink lemonade blueberries? We spoke with Drew Swainston, esteemed master gardener and Homes & Gardens Content Editor, to find out.
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This gorgeous pink lemonade blueberry bush comes in a large planter giving it room to grow. With the plants already sprouted, it's the easiest way to plant blueberries.
If you prefer more variety and more challenge, this multi-pack of fruit seeds is a great place to start. Though it doesn't have pink lemonade blueberries, it includes the original blue variety.
Follow in Carrie's footsteps by using a stylish jar to store your harvest. This pretty glass one will help your pink blueberries to keep for longer in the fridge.
Drew explains of the blueberry bushes: 'Pink lemonade blueberries are a fascinating variety of blueberries. Their fruits start off with a yellow-green color that develops into pink, and they are sweeter than traditional blueberries.'
If you're interested in planting the blueberries, there are several factors to consider. Close attention to the climate, hours of sunlight, and soil acidity are all essential for a successful crop.
First, evaluate the size of your garden, and where you live to determine if blueberries are the right plants for your fruit planting. 'Pink lemonade blueberries are suitable for US hardiness zones 4-8 and can thrive in cooler northern climates, Drew says. 'The bushes are compact and reach 4-5 feet in height, making them suitable for smaller gardens, raised beds, or growing in containers.'
The right balance of sunlight to shade is also essential. Drew advises: 'Plant the bushes somewhere with 5-6 hours of sunlight each day, while pink lemonade blueberries will tolerate part-shade. It prefers an acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5, and adding pine needles or oak leaves can help make the soil more acidic.'
Fertilizing blueberries happens less frequently, but is equally important. Drew suggests: 'Feed plants each spring with a fertilizer specially formulated for acid-loving plants.'
As the summer approaches, it's the perfect time to try this new and exciting fruit. Thanks for the inspiration, Carrie!
