Billberry

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by DazzerLancs, Jul 9, 2023.

  1. DazzerLancs

    DazzerLancs Apprentice Gardener

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    Good afternoon, in the last week my bilberry has gone from thriving and full of berries to turning red, berries drying up and really not very well, can anyone she'd any light please? IMG_20230709_151932.jpg IMG_20230709_151928.jpg
     
  2. Drahcir

    Drahcir Gardener

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    How long has it been in the pot? Have you fed it anything?
     
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    • JWK

      JWK Gardener Staff Member

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      Anything changed ? Watering, feed etc?
       
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      • DazzerLancs

        DazzerLancs Apprentice Gardener

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        Hi, I repotted it in the beginning of spring using acidic soil, it's been fed and watered as normal, just don't know what's happened with it
         
      • JWK

        JWK Gardener Staff Member

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        Does the compost feel soggy and is there drainage holes in the pot? Over watering may cause root rot.
         
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        • DazzerLancs

          DazzerLancs Apprentice Gardener

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          It has got drainage, it has hammered down here quite a lot recently, I'll try and have a look
           
        • DazzerLancs

          DazzerLancs Apprentice Gardener

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          Just had a check, the leaves which have turned red are all dry and crinkle, like a trees in autumn
           
        • infradig

          infradig Total Gardener

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          They are deciduous, maybe a reaction to the period of hot weather although it is early. They naturally grow on the edge of heath/moorland where ph is around 4-5, rarely in great abundance and often around trees that cast some shade.
          Do you use tap water, that may be alkaline ?
          In my experience, they would not justify cultivation, but are a welcome find if foraging.
           
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          • Drahcir

            Drahcir Gardener

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            I'm at a bit of a loss then. "Could it have some root pest", or "could it have been scorched by reflection or watering" are the only things that spring to mind.

            Hm. Tricky.
             
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