There exists a wide array of blueberry varieties that thrive in various USDA hardiness zones, each with its own unique characteristics. To select the appropriate type for your specific zone, you must consider low-bush, mid-bush, and high-bush variations, which are distinguished by their plant height.
For those seeking container-friendly options, low-bush varieties are ideal, suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation. On the other hand, highbush blueberries demand an outdoor environment to flourish. When a blueberry plant is labeled as highbush, it implies a significant stature akin to that of an adult human male, making it unsuitable for confinement in a condominium.
While the choice of blueberry variety ultimately rests with you, the following suggestions will aid you in selecting the most suitable option. If you reside in a region with cold winters, consider opting for Bluecrop, Blueray, Herbert, Jersey, or Meader varieties.
For those who favor larger blueberries, Berkeley, Bluecrop, Blueray, Coville, Darrow, or Herbert would be the optimal choices. If flavor is your priority, look no further than Blueray, Darrow, Herbert, Ivanhoe, Pioneer, Stanley, or Wareham, as they offer the most delectable fruit.
It is important to note that this extensive selection of blueberry varieties may appear overwhelming at first, but fear not, as you have numerous options to explore.
Let us now delve into the different types of blueberries available:
Highbush:
Scientifically known as Vaccinium corymbosum, this variety thrives best in zones four to seven. Its moniker accurately represents its bush-like height, reaching up to six feet tall. Although often referred to as a shrub, envision this plant as a tree.
Top Hat:
Developed by the agricultural experts at The University of Michigan, this blueberry breed was specifically designed to thrive in compact spaces, making it ideal for container gardening.
Pink Lemonade:
These pink-hued blueberries can adapt to nearly any climate within the United States. They inherit their resilience from the Deep South rabbiteye blueberry genetics, enabling them to withstand high temperatures.
Pink Champagne:
This particular pink blueberry variation boasts an abundance of antioxidants and offers an exceptionally sweet flavor profile.
Lowbush:
Scientifically known as Vaccinium angustifolium, lowbush blueberries are well-suited for various hardiness zones. They thrive in cold climates, particularly in zones three through seven.
Half-High:
By combining the desirable attributes of both lowbush and highbush blueberries, the half-high blueberry variety was created. It grows to a moderate shrub or bush height.
Northcountry:
Developed by the University of Minnesota, this blueberry variant reaches a height of 18 to 24 inches, producing mild-flavored and aromatic berries.
Northblue:
A favored choice for making pies, this variety attains a height of 20 to 30 inches, yielding dark-blue berries approximately the size of a nickel.
Northland:
This variety falls into the category of half-high blueberries, growing to a height of three to four feet. Originating from Michigan, it produces fruit with a relatively milder taste.
Rabbiteye:
Scientifically known as Vaccinium virgatum, this blueberry type thrives in the southeastern United States. It exhibits tolerance to pests, adapts well to different environments, and boasts high productivity. To ensure successful pollination, it is essential to plant two or more varieties. It flourishes in zones seven to nine. Variants of rabbiteye blueberries include:
Powderblue:
A hybrid reaching the height of a human, this variety combines traits from Vaccinium virgatum, Vaccinium corymbosum, and Vaccinium darrowii. While slightly more challenging to cultivate than rabbiteye blueberries, it fares well in zones seven to nine. Variants within this category include Emerald, Windsor, and Springhigh.
Earliblue:
Thriving in zone eight, this early-blooming blueberry variety produces large berries suitable for desserts. Its compact, upright growth habit makes it an attractive choice.
Bluetta:
Well-suited for zone five, this early-blooming blueberry variety produces soft berries that are ideal for baking.
Ivanhoe:
A medium-sized, early-blooming blueberry variety that flourishes in zone seven, known for its exceptional quality and aromatic berries.
Patriot:
With its large size and early-blooming nature, this blueberry variation thrives in zone eight. It produces firm, high-quality berries on a compact bush.
Stanley:
Similar to Ivanhoe, this medium-sized blueberry variety blooms early and prospers in zone seven. It yields firm, high-quality berries with a delightful aroma.
Blueray:
This large blueberry variety blooms in the late early season and grows well in zone eight. Known for its spreading growth habit, it produces aromatic berries of exceptional quality.
Duke:
Belonging to the late early-blooming category, Duke is a large blueberry variety that thrives in zone eight. Its upright growth pattern results in a bountiful yield, consistently providing a high crop.
Collins:
Also falling into the late early-blooming category, Collins is a large blueberry variety suited for zone eight. It boasts an upright, spreading growth habit, delivering firm and aromatic berries of good dessert quality.
Bluecrop:
As a mid-season bloomer, this large blueberry variety flourishes in zone nine. With its upright growth habit, it produces slightly aromatic, firm, and good-quality berries, making it one of the most popular choices.
Berkeley:
This mid-season variety stands out with its large blueberries, thriving well in zone eight. It grows upright and spreads, offering mildly flavored, firm berries that store well.
Concord:
Ideal for zone six, this mid-season blueberry variety is relatively small in size. It spreads and produces soft, slightly aromatic blueberries of good dessert quality.
Pioneer:
A medium-sized blueberry variety that blooms in the mid-season and is well-suited for zone six. It has a spreading growth habit and offers firm, high-quality berries with excellent dessert qualities.
Atlantic:
Belonging to the late mid-season category, Atlantic is a large blueberry variety that thrives in zone seven. Its wide-spreading growth habit results in firm, slightly aromatic blueberries of medium dessert quality.
Herbert:
This very large blueberry variety blooms in the late mid-season and thrives in zone seven. Known for its wide-spreading growth habit, it produces soft, highly aromatic blueberries of exceptional dessert quality. It is a reliable choice, providing an abundant harvest.
Legacy:
As a late mid-season variety, Legacy is a large blueberry that flourishes in zone eight. It combines an upright and spreading growth habit, resulting in firm, highly aromatic blueberries of high dessert quality. These berries have excellent storage capabilities.
Dixi:
A late-blooming large blueberry variety that grows well in zone six. Its wide-spreading growth habit yields firm, highly aromatic blueberries of very high dessert quality, promising a substantial harvest.
Elizabeth:
Thriving in zone eight, Elizabeth is a late-blooming large blueberry variety. With its wide-spreading growth habit, it produces slightly acidic blueberries of very high dessert quality.
Darrow:
This late-blooming very large blueberry variety is well-suited for zone eight.
An upright variety, Darrow excels in producing excellent, firm, slightly acidic, high-quality blueberries that are perfect for desserts.
Wareham:
Belonging to the late-blooming category, Wareham is a medium-sized blueberry variety that thrives in zone six. It has a spreading growth habit and yields a superb crop of soft, aromatic blueberries of good dessert quality.
Tophat:
A medium-sized blueberry variety that blooms late in the season and prospers in zone seven. This dwarf plant reaches a height of only two feet and does not require a pollinator. It produces a fair harvest of firm blueberries suitable for baking.
Coville:
This late-blooming large blueberry variety thrives in zone seven. It spreads extensively and offers tart, highly aromatic blueberries of very high dessert quality.
Bluegold:
Thriving in zone eight, Bluegold is a late-blooming medium-sized blueberry variety. With its upright and spreading growth habit, it provides an excellent crop of medium-firm blueberries. This productive and winter-hardy bush ensures an ample supply of delectable treats.
Jersey:
A very late-blooming medium blueberry variety that flourishes in zone six. It grows upright and produces a good harvest of classically flavored blueberries. This variety also boasts excellent storage capabilities.
Late Blue:
This very late-blooming small blueberry variety is well-suited for zone eight. It grows upright and yields a plentiful harvest of firm, boldly flavored blueberries.
Elliott:
Thriving in zone eight, Elliott is a very late-blooming medium blueberry variety. With its upright growth and reddish wood, it produces firm, mildly flavored blueberries of good dessert quality and aroma.
By exploring this comprehensive collection of blueberry varieties, you have a wide range of choices to suit your preferences and growing conditions. Enjoy the fruitful journey of cultivating these delicious and nutritious berries!