Growing Saskatoon Berries

The saskatoon (Amelanchier alnifolia) is a fruit bearing shrub native to the southern Yukon and Northwest Territories, the Canadian prairies and the northern plains of the United States. It is extremely adaptable and grows under a wide range of environmental conditions.

The name is derived from the Indian word Mis-sas-quah-to-min, which was later anglicized to Saskatoon. Saskatoons were one of the most important food sources for the Plain Indians. They believed the berry was a gift from the Great Creator and they used the Saskatoon plant and its fruit as a sacred item in many ceremonies. The berries were used in soups, stews, and meats, and they were also dried for winter use in pemmican.

The shrubby plants, which reach 15 feet (4.5 m) or more at maturity, produce deep-reddish-purple fruits, borne on long stems singly or in clusters of two or three, that ripen in early to mid-July. The fruits taste a lot like blueberries. They're a little more tart and a lot easier to pick.

Saskatoon plants begin to bear fruit when they are two to four years old. The plants bear fruits over a four- to six-week period, producing between two and four quarts of fruits per plant.

The fruit is produced on the previous year's growth and on older wood. Usually young, vigorous branches yield the highest quality fruit. Pruning should be done in early spring after the danger of severe cold weather is past and before the plants start to grow.

Removal of all weak, diseased, damaged and low branches as well as thinning of the center growth to keep it open is recommended. Generally, major pruning is not required until the plants are 6 to 8 years old.

Propagation

Saskatoons can be started in several different ways including from seeds, suckers, root cuttings, softwood cuttings, hardwood cuttings, cuttings from shoots, and crown division. Saskatoon twigs can also be grafted onto other trees like apples and pears. When seeds are used, some of the plants grown from those seeds will be different from the parent stock.

Planting and Growing Saskatoons

Saskatoons are very hardy, but sites with late spring frosts should be avoided. They do not have high nutrition requirements, although compost worked into the soil prior to planting will help maintain soil moisture while the plant establishes. A well drained soil and a pH of above 6.0 is preferred. The roots should be well covered and the soil firmed around the plant.

Plants should be spaced 3-6 feet (1 to 2 m) apart in rows, where they will grow to form a solid hedge. During the establishment year it is important to control weeds around the young plants.

Row cultivation can give relatively easy weed control if long rows are used at a spacing which enables use of various size cultivators as the planting grows. Currently, only the herbicide linuron is registered for use in saskatoon production in Canada.

Saskatoon berries will ripen in late June at the ends of the branches. Most of the fruit is borne on healthy 2 to 3 year old wood. Plants generally will not require pruning until they are 7-9 years old. Then remove damaged, weak, or crossed branches. Pruning should be done in early spring before growth begins.

Saskatoon fruit grows in clusters. The fruit ripens almost evenly and the whole crop can usually be picked at one time.

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