27 Types Of Blueberries For Your Garden: Essential Growth Guide
Discover which cultivar thrives in every climate to maximize flavor and yield.
27 Different Types of Blueberries for Your Garden
Blueberries are a beloved addition to the home garden, not only for their sweet-tart fruit but also for their attractive foliage and versatility. With dozens of varieties available, choosing the right blueberry for your garden can be daunting. Whether you garden in the humid South, the cold North, or anywhere in between, there’s a blueberry cultivar suited to your climate, soil, and taste preferences. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of 27 outstanding blueberry varieties, grouped by type, and advice on selecting and growing the best plant for your needs.
Understanding Blueberry Types
Blueberries belong to the Vaccinium genus, and most cultivated varieties fall into one of four main types. Each category brings unique advantages, and choosing among them depends on your regionâs climate, soil, and intended use.
| Blueberry Type | Species | Height | Spread | USDA Zones | Key Traits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lowbush | Vaccinium angustifolium | 1â2 ft | 2â4 ft | 3â7 | Cold hardy, compact, wild or semi-wild |
| Northern Highbush | Vaccinium corymbosum | 5â9 ft | 4â8 ft | 3â8 | Popular, large berries, requires chilling |
| Southern Highbush | Vaccinium corymbosum (hybrid) | 6â12 ft | 4â10 ft | 5â10 | Heat tolerant, hybrid vigor |
| Rabbiteye | Vaccinium virgatum (syn. ashei) | 6â15 ft | 5â10 ft | 7â9 | Heat tolerant, large, vigorous |
Factors for Choosing Blueberry Varieties
- Climate compatibility: Know your USDA hardiness zone and select varieties accordingly.
- Space: Dwarf or compact types for containers; vigorous or spreading types for open beds.
- Pollination: Plant at least two varieties for better yield unless planting self-fertile types.
- Harvest time: Select early, mid, and late-season cultivars to extend your picking window.
- Disease resistance: Some cultivars resist common issues like mummy berry or root rot.
- Flavor and use: Some are ideal for fresh eating, others for baking or preserves.
Northern Highbush Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum)
The most commonly grown blueberries in North America, northern highbush cultivars thrive in regions with cool winters. They need significant chilling hours to fruit and are known for their large berries and good yields.
- âAtlanticâ
- Height: 6â8 ft
- Zones: 5â8
- Harvest: Mid-late season
- Traits: Spreading, needs regular pruning, very productive, large flavorful berries
- âBluecropâ
- Height: 6â8 ft
- Zones: 5â7
- Harvest: Mid-season, extended picking window
- Traits: Hardy, upright, medium to large crack-resistant fruit, popular home and commercial variety
- âBlue Jayâ
- Height: 5â7 ft
- Zones: 5â7
- Harvest: Medium season, fruits persist on bush for weeks
- Traits: Open, upright, resistant to mummy berry; large, tart, firm fruit; moderate-high productivity
- âDukeâ
- Height: 4â6 ft
- Zones: 4â7
- Harvest: Early season, prolific producer
- Traits: Cold-hardy, compact growth, ideal for containers. Requires 800â1000 chill hours.
- âElliottâ
- Height: 5â7 ft
- Zones: 5â8
- Harvest: Very late season
- Traits: Extended picking, tart to sweet flavor as it ripens, excellent for extending harvest
Other notable northern highbush cultivars include âPatriotâ, âLegacyâ, âJerseyâ, âRubelâ, âBluerayâ, âChandlerâ (noted for especially large berries), and âSpartanâ (early producer, excellent flavor).
Southern Highbush Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum hybrids)
Developed by crossing northern highbush with heat-tolerant species, these blueberries thrive in milder winters and southern climates where traditional highbush varieties fail.
- âSunshine Blueâ
- Height: 3â4 ft
- Zones: 5â10
- Traits: Semi-dwarf, great for containers, attractive pink flowers, tolerant of higher soil pH than most blueberries
- âMistyâ
- Height: 4â6 ft
- Zones: 5â10
- Traits: Fast-growing, high yields, delicious berries
- âJewelâ
- Height: 4â6 ft
- Zones: 7â10
- Traits: Widely grown in the South, excellent flavor, early to mid-season berries
- âEmeraldâ
- Height: 4â6 ft
- Zones: 7â10
- Traits: Vigorous growth, large flavorful berries
- âSharpblueâ
- Height: 6â8 ft
- Zones: 7â10
- Traits: Early fruit, tolerant of higher pH, productive and reliable
Rabbiteye Blueberries (Vaccinium virgatum / ashei)
Native to the southeastern U.S., Rabbiteye blueberries are more tolerant of heat and less acidic soils than highbush types. They are extremely vigorous and productive, with smaller but sweeter berries and lower chill requirements.
- âPremierâ
- Height: 6â10 ft
- Zones: 7â9
- Traits: Early season, reliable yields, large sweet berries
- âClimaxâ
- Height: 6â10 ft
- Zones: 7â9
- Traits: Early season, vigorous, high yields of medium berries
- âTifblueâ
- Height: 6â8 ft
- Zones: 7â9
- Traits: Late season, classic variety, excellent quality
- âPowderblueâ
- Height: 6â8 ft
- Zones: 7â9
- Traits: Mid to late season, powdery blue skin
- âBrightwellâ
- Height: 6â8 ft
- Zones: 7â9
- Traits: Early-mid season, firm berries, heat tolerant
What others are reading
Lowbush Blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium)
Lowbush blueberries are native to the northeastern U.S. and Canada. These compact, wild-type bushes produce intensely flavorful, small berries and are extremely hardyâperfect for cold climates and naturalized plantings.
- âNorthblueâ
- Height: 1â2 ft
- Zones: 3â7
- Traits: Ornamental and productive; great for containers or borders
- âNorthcountryâ
- Height: 1â2 ft
- Zones: 3â7
- Traits: Small berries with intense wild flavor
Unique and Specialty Blueberry Varieties
- âTop Hatâ
- Type: Dwarf hybrid (lowbush x highbush)
- Height: 1â2 ft
- Traits: Compact and container-friendly, high ornamental value, small but tasty fruit
- âPink Lemonadeâ
- Type: Rabbiteye hybrid
- Color: Pink fruit
- Traits: Unique color, mid-season, sweet flavor
Tips for Success With Blueberries
- Soil preparation: Blueberries require acidic soil (pH 4.5â5.5). Amend soil with peat moss or pine bark if needed.
- Mulching: Maintain 2â4 inches of mulch to conserve moisture, reduce weeds, and keep roots cool.
- Water: Blueberries need consistent moisture, especially from flowering through harvest.
- Pruning: Annual pruning improves airflow and berry production. Remove oldest canes to encourage new growth.
- Fertilization: Use ammonium sulfate or other acid-forming fertilizers if your soil is not naturally acidic.
- Pollination: Plant more than one variety for best fruit set, unless your chosen variety is self-fertile.
Table of 27 Notable Blueberry Varieties
| Variety | Type | Height | Zones | Fruit Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic | N. Highbush | 6â8 ft | 5â8 | Large | Mid-Late |
| Bluecrop | N. Highbush | 6â8 ft | 5â7 | Medium-Large | Mid |
| Blue Jay | N. Highbush | 5â7 ft | 5â7 | Large | Mid |
| Duke | N. Highbush | 4â6 ft | 4â7 | Medium | Early |
| Blueray | N. Highbush | 6 ft | 4â7 | Large | Mid |
| Jersey | N. Highbush | 6â8 ft | 4â7 | Medium | Late |
| Patriot | N. Highbush | 4â6 ft | 3â7 | Large | Early |
| Legacy | N. Highbush | 5â7 ft | 5â8 | Medium | Late |
| Chandler | N. Highbush | 5â7 ft | 5â7 | Extra Large | Mid-Late |
| Rubel | N. Highbush | 5â7 ft | 4â7 | Small | Early |
| Spartan | N. Highbush | 5â7 ft | 4â7 | Large | Early |
| Elliott | N. Highbush | 5â7 ft | 5â8 | Medium | Very Late |
| Sunshine Blue | S. Highbush | 3â4 ft | 5â10 | Medium | Mid |
| Misty | S. Highbush | 4â6 ft | 5â10 | Large | Early |
| Jewel | S. Highbush | 4â6 ft | 7â10 | Large | Mid |
| Emerald | S. Highbush | 4â6 ft | 7â10 | Large | Mid |
| Sharpblue | S. Highbush | 6â8 ft | 7â10 | Medium | Early |
| Premier | Rabbiteye | 6â10 ft | 7â9 | Large | Early |
| Climax | Rabbiteye | 6â10 ft | 7â9 | Medium | Early |
| Tifblue | Rabbiteye | 6â8 ft | 7â9 | Medium | Late |
| Powderblue | Rabbiteye | 6â8 ft | 7â9 | Medium | Mid-Late |
| Brightwell | Rabbiteye | 6â8 ft | 7â9 | Medium | Mid |
| Northblue | Lowbush | 1â2 ft | 3â7 | Small | Mid |
| Northcountry | Lowbush | 1â2 ft | 3â7 | Small | Mid |
| Top Hat | Dwarf | 1â2 ft | 3â8 | Small | Mid |
| Pink Lemonade | Rabbiteye Hybrid | 4â5 ft | 4â8 | Medium | Mid |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What blueberry is best for containers?
Dwarf and compact varieties such as ‘Top Hat’, ‘Northblue’, and ‘Sunshine Blue’ excel in containers due to their small size and ornamental value.
Do blueberries need more than one variety to fruit?
Although some cultivars are self-fertile, planting at least two compatible varieties produces better yields through cross-pollination.
How long before blueberries produce fruit?
Blueberry bushes typically begin bearing significant fruit 2â4 years after planting. Small crops may occur in the first 1â2 years, but larger, reliable harvests start in years 3â4.
What are the soil requirements for blueberries?
Blueberries need acidic soil (pH 4.5â5.5), high in organic matter and well-drained. Soil preparation before planting is key to success.
Can I grow blueberries in hot southern climates?
Yes. Choose southern highbush or rabbiteye varieties if you garden in the South or regions with mild winters and hot summers.
Conclusion
With their diversity in size, taste, climate adaptation, and ornamental appeal, blueberries are one of the most rewarding fruits to grow in the home garden. Whether you prefer classic highbush types for cold hardiness or southern highbush and rabbiteye varieties for heat tolerance, there is a blueberry perfectly matched to your growing conditions. Take the time to select varieties with overlapping bloom periods for optimal cross-pollination and enjoy years of delicious, healthful fruit from your own backyard.
References
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