Marge Hirst
The blueberry plant commonly grown in Pennsylvania for fruit production is known as the highbush blueberry. Of this variety, whose Latin name is Vaccinium corymbosum, Bluecrop and Blueray are 2 wonderful plants. In addition to giving the home gardener delicious fresh fruit, these blueberries can offer year round beauty and interest in the landscape. In the spring there are attractive flowers, summer is a glossy bright green leaf along with the possibility of luscious berries, fall brings brilliant leaf colors ranging from yellow to crimson and winter has attractive red twigs which are spectacular against a snowy landscape.Blueberry plants require well-drained soils, acidic values of pH 4.5to 5.5 and a high content of organic material to maintain moisture. Most blueberry will reach a height of 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide at maturity. Most cultivars are self-fertile, but will produce a an increased crop and fruit size by the presence of more than one variety in a planting. For a longer harvest season, plant early, mid and late varieties. Thinning of the blossoms promotes larger fruit. Bluecrop Blueberry The Bluecrop Blueberry has large bright light blue berries that are ready to pick in mid-July through mid-August. Mature plants can yield as high as 12 -15 pounds of fruit each year. This is often considered the best variety for a constant yield as it is a leading commercial variety. It is good for fresh eating, preserves, baking and freezing. The Bluecrop Blueberry is good in zones 4-7. It grows to a height of 4-6 feet tall and is moderately drought resistant.Blueray BlueberryBlueray blueberries are a large, medium blue berry that is harvested in early to mid season. They are very sweet with a slightly tart flavor. Yield is about 12-15 pounds per mature plant. It is self-fertile and is a good pollinator for ‘Bluecrop’ and ‘Northblue’. Blueray is good in zones 4-6. It grows to a height of 4-6 feet. Blueray is usually considered an excellent plant for home gardens.Earliblue BlueberryThis blueberry has a mild, sweet flavor. The berries are large, firm, light blue and are harvested in early season. Yield for a mature bush is about 8-12 pounds per bush. Yields are better if there is another variety to pollinate. Earliblue is considered crack resistant. Outstanding bright red canes add winter landscape value and interest. Earliblue grows to a height of 4-6 feetNorthblue BlueberryNorthblue Blueberry is a plump, firm, navy blue berry harvested in early season, which is usually mid-July. Yield is about 3-7 pounds per bush. This berry has a wild blueberry flavor with a good sugar to acid ratio. Northblue blueberry is good for fresh eating and processing. It also has a good storage life when refrigerated. It is self-fertile, but will yield more when cross-pollinated. Best when grown in zones 4-8. This plant is a shorter cultivar, growing to a height of 20 to 30 inches.To find more information on these plants go tohttp://www.seedlingsrus.com/BerryPlants.html
Marge is currently a retired elementary school teacher who is now working in the family plant growing business. She has always enjoyed growing plants for color, beauty, and useful purposes in the landscape. To see her family business go to http://www.seedlingsrus.com