Blueberries are a wonderful addition to a sunny garden plot. They are fruit-bearing woody shrubs that are relatively easy to grow. Given ideal conditions and proper care, they will reward you with an abundance of sweet fruits for many years in the future!
If you have never grown fruiting shrubs or trees before, blueberries are a great place to start. Blueberries are low-maintenance, vigorous plants that are also attractive in the garden. You may have to share some with the birds, but a healthy cluster of plants should produce plenty of berries for everyone.
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Blueberry plants are readily available commercially and there are cultivars that are adapted to many different climates. Find out which varieties are best suited for your climate, as well as when they will be in season. Let’s dig in!
Growing Blueberries
Blueberries can be grown in most climates, in containers, gardens, and in edible landscapes. They are easy to grow, produce an abundance of fruit, and are attractive shrubs. If that all sounds appealing, especially if you enjoy eating them, you should definitely consider adding these plants to your yard.
But wait! Before you run to the nearest nursery and grab a truckload of new shrubs, there are several general things you need to consider before planting. It may take some extra time and preparation to get your site ready for blueberries, but the extra work will be well worth the effort.
Be sure to select an ideal site and prepare it appropriately before purchasing plants. Provide your plants with the best start that you can so they can adapt quickly to their new home. With a little planning and regular maintenance, your plants should grow well and be a rewarding addition to your yard.
Blueberry Varieties
There are several varieties, each with unique characteristics. Lowbush, highbush, and rabbiteye are the most common types of blueberry, and there are several cultivars within each of these classes.
Some plants are better suited for warmer climates, while others grow best in cooler climates. Be sure to select varieties that will grow best in your climate zone.
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Each variety has its own unique set of characteristics, and some of these may be subtle. Different cultivars will vary in the timing of flowering and fruiting. There will be differences in the size of the plant at maturity.
Other differences may be slight variations in fruit size, fruiting abundance, and firmness and longevity of fruits. And of course, there is a range of tolerance to heat, cold, or drought.
Three Most Common Types of Blueberry
Most blueberry plants are self-fertile, meaning a single plant is capable of bearing fruit without cross-pollination with another plant. A few varieties require another blueberry of a different variety for successful pollination and fruiting.
Even the varieties that are self-fertile, however, will have greater fruiting success if cross-pollinated with another variety. Berries on cross-pollinated plants tend to be both larger and more abundant. It is therefore recommended that you plant more than one variety for the best fruit yield.
Fruit Ripening by USDA Hardiness Zone
Berries ripen in summer, but each variety has slightly different timing. That means if you plant two or three different varieties, you will extend your harvest seasons more than if you have just one variety. Some ripen a little earlier in the season, and some ripen a little later, with differences ranging from a few days to several weeks.
Some varieties are better adapted to more southern climates, while others are better adapted to more northern climates. You will, of course, need to select varieties that are best suited to your climate.
Your climate zone will be the biggest factor to determine the timing of fruit ripening. All varieties flower early in the spring and fruits typically ripen a couple of months after flowering.
Figure 1. A general guide to ripening by USDA climate zone. The exact timing will vary. Ripening will be affected by the varieties planted and local climate conditions.
Growing in Zones 3 and 4
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If you live in Zones 3 or 4, you already know it’s cold and your choices for growing fruits are limited. With a short growing season, you will need to select cold-hardy varieties. The good news is that there are some varieties that will tolerate and even thrive in cold climates.
You may need to add some extra mulch around the roots to protect them from extreme winter weather. You can expect blueberries grown in Zones 3 and 4 to ripen in July and August.
Growing in Zones 5 and 6
There are many varieties well-suited for growing in Zones 5 and 6. You should have some great options here, and should definitely try to grow a few different varieties if you have a space for them. You could easily grow your plants in a garden or in large containers.
Beware of heavy clay soils; as most varieties prefer moist but well-drained soil. You can expect blueberries grown in Zones 5 and 6 to ripen in June and July.
Growing in Zones 7 and 8
You should have plenty of choices in Zones 7 and 8. Select plants that are suitable for moderately warm climates. Be sure to prepare your site well before planting to ensure your soil is well-drained, but also remember to keep them watered during times of drought.
You can expect blueberries grown in Zones 7 and 8 to ripen in June, July, and perhaps even into the first part of August.
Growing in Zones 9 and 10
Zones 9 and 10 are warm with a long growing season. Be sure to select southern varieties best suited for warmer climates. Keep an eye on soil moisture and keep them watered during times of drought.
You can expect blueberries grown in Zone 9 to ripen in April, May, and June. In Zone 10, berries may start to ripen as early as March, and extend into April and May.
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