How to Grow Saskatoon Berries

The Saskatoon berry, Amelanchier alnifolia, is a native North American plant used for hundreds of years by plains Indians as a staple food source. The berries can be used for everything from jams to wine and can grow in USDA hardiness zones as low as 2. Saskatoon berries produce fruit in the second to third year in the ground and will produce the entire crop at once, so have your canning gear ready in early spring if you plan on growing this berry plant.

Instructions

- 1
  Direct sow saskatoon berry seeds in spring when there's no danger of frost. Saskatoon berries grow best in rows spaced at least 9 feet apart, with the plants spaced 3 feet apart within the rows.
- 2
  Plant the seeds in sandy loam soil on a slight incline for optimal air flow and drainage.
- 3
  Water the young plants regularly, keeping the soil moist as the roots become established. Once the roots are established give the bush 1 inch of water each week.
- 4
  Fertilize the bushes with a 23-23-0 or 27-14-0 fertilizer annually between the time the plant flowers and the harvest.
- 5
  Prune the bushes back at 5 years old, cutting away three to four of the oldest branches. This will make fresh, new fruit-producing growth.

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