Honeyberries | How to Know When They're Ripe

Learning when to harvest a new fruit or vegetable is always a challenge. For many the Honeyberry is a totally new fruit. After years of trial an error, I've finally realized that honeyberries should be picked when soft at full size and they should come off the bush very easily.
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[@patriciatsunoda5771]

So happy to come across your video. My honeyberry bushes are 3 years old and this is the first year I've had more than a couple berries on them. I netted them, not knowing if the birds were the reason for not getting berries or maybe they were just too young still. I was just thinking today that I need to know when to harvest. I found several on the ground and your video helped me to understand that it is common for it to happen. Those went to the chickens. I will leave the bushes alone until they develop as you have described. Thanks.

[@LearnToGrow1]

Thanks for the info! We planted a couple of young plants last fall.

[@XoroksComment]

Same with red currant. You can leave them on the bush for a month after they initially turn red. Then they'll be dark-, instead of bright-red and sweet

[@robertaschaus2192]

Birds always end up eating mine before they reach that ripeness stage lol. I'm going to have to cover my Honeyberry bushes with bird netting next year!

[@youngbuck5009]

I’m with you. I suspect the chipmunks like them as well.

[@jedd.5407]

I covered mine, and a DANG O'possum took the fruit AND bag too! You could see where it ate right through the bag netting!

[@robertaschaus2192]

@@jedd.5407 ok no!

[@rabeabrok8323]

Thank you for these details and explanations

[@rafika816]

Thanks for this very helpful video, Ross. I have been contemplating adding honeyberry to my berry patch. You have inspired me to go ahead and take that step. Right now, we are enjoying a fruitful fig harvest, thanks to all your advice.

[@crowlsyong]

Thank you

[@debbies2966]

I purchased Berry Blue and two Borealis Honeyberry. The Berry Blue is growing like a bush and the Borealis is vining. Is the vining normal? I’m getting conflicting results online. Thanks

[@RossRaddi]

They're not vines. IF you've got a vine, that's something else.

[@debbies2966]

@@RossRaddithank you so much. Ugh! I reached out to Penseberry Farm where I purchased it and waiting for a reply.

[@matthewprestine1974]

they seem to have a lot in common with plums

[@magenagrima-xd7pi]

Can it thrive in tropics?

[@RossRaddi]

They need chill hours. It's worth trying I guess.

[@magenagrima-xd7pi]

@@RossRaddi blueberries with proper pH bear fruits here in pots even in warm weather. But they thrive very well in subtopic Baguio city at 5k feet altitude.

[@lyonheart84]

So far in the uk climate I've been very disappointed. Very small and acidic. I'll be waiting for improvements with age