Hardy to Zones 6 to 9
Huckleberry, Evergreen Huckleberry(Vaccinium ovatum) Woody
subshrub growing in moist, acidic soils of the Pacific Northwest.
The dark blue berries produced by this plant are sweet and they
taste very similar to blueberries. This is a handsome bush that
grows well beneath redwoods and other conifers, and may be
adapted to the domestic shade garden. Herbalists use the fresh
leaves to make an antidiabetic tea or tincture. Plant prefers shade
to part sun, growing 2 to 3 feet tall in sunny locations, and up to 7 feet
tall in the shade.
Germination
Sow in fall or very early spring in outdoor
conditions, in pots or flats. Sow in a mixture of sand and peat
moss. If sowing in the fall, expect germination in the spring.
If sowing at other times of the year, a 30 to 90 day period of
cold, moist refrigeration (place seeds in plastic bag with moist
peat moss and refrigerate) will improve germination rate. Surface
sow, press in, and keep evenly moist until germination, which occurs
in 30 days and ongoing. After 6 weeks, transplant to larger pots
and grow on for up to 3 years before transplanting to the landscape.