ARS | Publication request: Producing potted ornamental ohelo, Vaccinium reticulatum (Smith)

Submitted to: University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Bulletin
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: February 10, 2010
Publication Date: April 30, 2010
Repository URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10113/55287
Citation: Zee, F.T., Hamasaki, R.T., Nakamoto, S.T., Keith, L.M., Hummer, K.E., Reed, B.M., Kawabata, A. 2010. Producing potted ornamental ohelo, Vaccinium reticulatum (Smith). University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Bulletin.

Interpretive Summary: Ohelo berry, Vaccinium reticulatum, has potential for utilization as an ornamental potted plant and for specialty berry production. Nursery training and care procedures are recorded and described for immediate application by small farms and the nursery industry. Preliminary phenology information including time required from trimming to vegetative regrowth, fruiting and harvesting is reported.

Technical Abstract: Seed and vegetatively propagated ohelo plants can be grown for potted ornamental and berry production in the nursery. With measured irrigation and fertilizers, ohelo can be maintained in six inch (15 cm) or one gallon (3.4 liter) pots for at least two years. For the first two weeks after field planting, ample watering is needed. Water stress is the most frequent cause of plant loss in both the field and nursery. Excessive watering in the nursery during cool and cloudy weather can cause “torching”, an abnormal growth of the young shoots where the stem appeared to be elongated and the young leaves failed to expand. The condition can be corrected by cutting back the deformed growth, and reducing the frequency and amount of watering. Basic steps for germinating through fruiting and selection are covered.