Blueberries are a wonderful perennial plant to add to your garden or edible landscape. These nutritious and delicious berries are a favorite for gardeners of all skill levels. Not only are they packed with antioxidants, but they can also yield a bountiful harvest year after year if properly cared for.
If you choose the right varieties, you can enjoy a blueberry harvest that lasts up to 90 days for Northern Highbush and 60 days for Southern Highbush. Need help getting started? Tricia shows you how to plant and care for blueberries in our video on Planting and Growing Blueberries.
For the Chilly Regions - Northern Highbush
If you live in USDA zones 3-8, Northern Highbush varieties are ideal for your garden. For those looking for smaller plants, the Lowbush variety Top Hat is a fantastic choice.
For Milder Regions - Southern Highbush
If you're in USDA zones 5-10, opt for Southern Highbush varieties. These plants thrive in warmer climates, producing a shorter but earlier harvest that begins in mid-May and wraps up by late June.
When Are the Blueberries Ripe?
Blueberries are ready for harvest when they turn completely blue and easily come off the bush. Don't rush the process—allowing the berries to remain on the bush a little longer will make them sweeter and tastier. However, keep an eye out for birds, as they love blueberries too! Use bird netting to protect your crop and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
1 comment
It is 103 degrees right now in Sacramento, California so I am here planning for more groworganic.com blueberries. The chart and the link were most helpful. Thank you.