Blueberry - grow from seed or not?

Jenny_Aster

Didn't really get round to harvesting the blueberries as there wasn't really that many seeing it was their first year (I've 3 different varieties in a large planter). So the few I harvested I put in a dish while I thought what to do with them. After a week on a sunny window sill, the now dried berries rattled when I shook them, and they spilled out their seeds.



Not only did they spill out their seeds but also about 6 wriggly wormy things. Sometimes I think it's not clever to scrutinise too much. But seeing that I did, I'm now wondering about what to do with the seeds. Should I plant them and see what comes up? Though I'm not enthusiastic about garden fresh blueberries at the moment because of the worms and their eggs.

I'm pretty sure there are eggs amongst the seeds.



I'm edging on the decision to throw them in the rubbish bin! 

Pete.8

Some do get really tiny worms - I think they may be caterpillars as I often see moths around my blueberries.
Look for a tiny brown hole in the berry - usually on the side, there's often also some white 'web' on the berry (a miniscule amount) which helps to ID the dodgy ones.
I give mine a quick glance as I pick them, but I'm not overly cautious - I'm not vegetarian

You could sow the seed, but I'd guess it would be at least 5-6 years before you get any berries from them

Jenny_Aster

Thanks for your answer @Pete.8, 5 or 6 years might see me out  . Thanks for help making up my mind.... in the bin they go!