Top 20 Blueberry Varieties to Grow: Tips and Advice for a Successful Harvest

Blueberries are a nutritious and delicious fruit that are relatively easy to grow in the right conditions. With varieties suited for various climates and uses, choosing the right blueberry for your garden can lead to a rewarding harvest. This guide will explore the top 20 blueberry varieties to grow, providing helpful tips to ensure your bushes thrive and produce abundant berries.

1. Duke

Duke is an early-season variety known for its high yields and firm, flavorful berries. It’s a favorite for fresh eating and baking.

Tip: Duke blueberries require acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5 for optimal growth.

2. Patriot

Patriot blueberries are cold-hardy, making them perfect for northern climates. The berries are large and flavorful, with a slightly tangy taste.

Tip: Mulch Patriot plants with organic matter like pine needles to retain soil moisture and maintain acidity.

3. Bluecrop

Bluecrop is one of the most popular mid-season varieties, known for its high yields, disease resistance, and large, sweet berries.

Tip: Prune Bluecrop bushes annually to remove old wood and encourage new growth, which results in better fruiting.

4. Legacy

Legacy is a late-season variety with sweet, flavorful berries. It’s known for its extended harvest and excellent disease resistance.

Tip: Plant Legacy in full sun to get the sweetest berries, but it can tolerate some partial shade.

5. Chandler

Chandler is prized for its extra-large berries and long harvest season, making it ideal for fresh eating.

Tip: Water Chandler blueberries regularly, especially during fruiting, to prevent the berries from drying out or becoming undersized.

6. Jersey

Jersey is a reliable, late-season variety with sweet berries that are perfect for baking and preserving. It grows well in a variety of soil types.

Tip: Jersey bushes benefit from cross-pollination, so plant them near another blueberry variety for increased yields.

7. Spartan

Spartan is an early-season variety known for its large, sweet-tart berries. It performs best in colder climates.

Tip: Ensure the soil stays consistently moist but not waterlogged, as blueberries do not tolerate drought well.

8. Elliott

Elliott is a late-season variety that produces firm, tart berries. It’s perfect for extending the blueberry harvest into the fall.

Tip: Prune Elliott bushes to encourage air circulation, as they are susceptible to mildew in humid conditions.

9. Sunshine Blue

Sunshine Blue is a compact, semi-dwarf variety that produces medium-sized, sweet berries. It’s ideal for warmer climates or container growing.

Tip: This variety is more tolerant of alkaline soils but still prefers acidic conditions for best fruiting.

10. Brigitta

Brigitta is known for its firm berries and long shelf life, making it an excellent choice for freezing and fresh eating.

Tip: Brigitta needs consistent watering and well-drained soil to prevent root rot and maximize fruit quality.

11. Aurora

Aurora is a very late-season variety with large, sweet berries. It’s perfect for extending the harvest well into late summer.

Tip: Plant Aurora alongside early and mid-season varieties to enjoy a continuous harvest throughout the growing season.

12. Northland

Northland is an extremely cold-hardy variety, perfect for northern regions. The small, sweet berries are great for jams and pies.

Tip: Northland blueberries perform well in sandy, acidic soils but will thrive in any well-drained soil with proper pH.

13. Herbert

Herbert produces large, sweet berries with a soft texture. It’s a mid-season variety known for its excellent flavor and juiciness.

Tip: Add sulfur to the soil in early spring to help maintain the acidity that blueberries need to thrive.

14. Pink Lemonade

Pink Lemonade is a unique variety that produces pink berries with a sweet, mild flavor. It’s great for ornamental gardens and fresh eating.

Tip: Pink Lemonade is self-pollinating but will produce better yields if planted near another blueberry variety.

15. Top Hat

Top Hat is a dwarf variety, perfect for containers or small gardens. It produces small, sweet berries and can also serve as an ornamental plant.

Tip: Ensure the container has good drainage and use an acidic potting mix for optimal growth.

16. O’Neal

O’Neal is an early-season variety that produces large, flavorful berries with a sweet, mild taste. It thrives in warmer climates.

Tip: Keep the soil moist but avoid waterlogging, as O’Neal blueberries are sensitive to overly wet conditions.

17. Razz

Razz is a mid-season variety known for its distinct, raspberry-like flavor. It’s perfect for fresh eating or making unique preserves.

Tip: Razz blueberries require full sun and well-drained, acidic soil to develop their best flavor.

18. Powderblue

Powderblue is a heat-tolerant, late-season variety that produces medium-sized, sweet berries. It’s ideal for southern climates.

Tip: Powderblue requires a pollinator for the best fruit set, so plant it alongside another late-season variety.

19. Sweetheart

Sweetheart is a unique variety that produces two harvests: one in early summer and another in fall. The berries are sweet and firm.

Tip: Fertilize Sweetheart plants in early spring with an acidic fertilizer to encourage healthy growth and fruiting.

20. Sharpblue

Sharpblue is a southern highbush variety that produces medium-sized berries with a sweet, mild flavor. It’s perfect for warm, coastal regions.

Tip: Sharpblue plants thrive in well-drained soil and benefit from regular pruning to maintain their shape and vigor.

Tips for Growing Blueberries Successfully

1. Acidic soil is essential: Blueberries thrive in acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5. Test your soil and amend with sulfur or acidic compost if necessary.
2. Full sun for best yields: Plant blueberries in a location that gets at least 6-8 hours of full sun each day for maximum fruit production.
3. Water regularly: Blueberries have shallow roots, so they need consistent moisture. Water deeply once or twice a week, especially during fruiting.
4. Mulch heavily: Mulch around the base of your blueberry bushes with pine needles, bark, or straw to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain soil acidity.
5. Prune annually: Remove old wood and weak or dead branches each year to encourage new growth and improve fruit quality.
6. Fertilize in spring: Use an acidic fertilizer specifically designed for blueberries or azaleas. Fertilize in early spring as the plants begin to grow, and again after harvest.
7. Cross-pollination: Most blueberry varieties benefit from cross-pollination with another variety, so plant at least two different types to increase yields.

Common Questions and Answers

Q1: How long does it take for blueberry bushes to produce fruit?
Most blueberry bushes start producing fruit in their third year, but you’ll get a full harvest by the fifth or sixth year.

Q2: When is the best time to plant blueberries?
The best time to plant blueberries is in early spring or late fall when the plant is dormant.

Q3: How often should I water blueberry bushes?
Blueberries need consistent moisture, so water them deeply once or twice a week, especially during dry periods and fruiting.

Q4: Can blueberries grow in containers?
Yes, many blueberry varieties, especially dwarf varieties like Top Hat and Sunshine Blue, can be grown successfully in containers with the right acidic potting mix.

Q5: How do I protect blueberries from birds?
Birds love blueberries, so use netting or bird scare devices to protect your fruit as it ripens.