Comprehensive Guide to Blueberries: Types, Cultivation, and Global Production Trends
Blueberries, like raspberries and blackberries, are also considered superfoods because they are rich in antioxidants and nutrients. Many people consider blueberries a larger category that includes bilberries, cranberries, and huckleberries. The scientific name of the blueberry plant is Vaccinium sp., and it belongs to the Ericaceae family. Blueberries are native to North and South America (depending on the type) but are grown worldwide (in over 30 countries in various climatic conditions). According to FAO and the USDA, the global production of blueberries continues to rise, with nearly 1.0 million metric tons (in 2019), while around 70% of the production is in the Northern Hemisphere. The United States holds the record for the biggest production (close to 300,00 tons), followed by Canada, Peru, Mexico, and Spain.
Blueberry plant information
Blueberry is a perennial shrub that can grow up to 4-6 m (13-20 feet) in height if left unpruned. Depending on the cultivar, the plants can stay productive from 1 to 60 years. The blueberry leaves’ shape varies depending on the variety, but usually, the leaves are alternate, ovate, and elliptical. However, they can be longer and broader in the middle. A mature, cultivated plant has 12-18 canes (1-5 years old), and the fruits will be produced from buds formed the previous season (biennial shoots, primocanes, and floricanes). The fruit ranges in size and flavor, with characteristics such as sweetness, acidity, and firmness differing significantly among varieties. These differences, combined with their ability to thrive in various climates, make blueberries an interesting choice both for commercial cultivation and home gardening.
Blueberry Types and Variety Selection
There are many blueberry varieties available in the market. Farmers or amateur growers can select the most appropriate one based on the following characteristics and needs. Consumers and industry ask for blueberries of large size, with light blue color and superior organoleptic characteristics (aroma, flavor, etc.). At the same time, the fruits should be well-formed, firm, resistant to cracking, and have an extended shelf life. Besides these characteristics, farmers also focus on the ability of the tree to hold the fruits for longer, to have good adaptability (in the local conditions), and a higher resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses (frost, drought, pests, pathogens, etc.).
Key factors influencing variety selection include:
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Fruit Characteristics: Berry size, flavor, and texture vary significantly among cultivars.
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Climate Adaptability: Cold-hardiness is essential for regions with harsh winters, while drought tolerance matters in arid areas.
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Cross-Pollination Needs: Rabbiteye varieties benefit from planting multiple cultivars to ensure proper pollination.
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Harvest Timing: Choosing early, mid, and late-season cultivars extends the harvest season.
Depending on their height, there are three main types of blueberries: the lowbush, highbush (northern and southern highbush), and rabbiteye. The southern highbush blueberry is a relatively new type of blueberry with intermediate characteristics between the two other main types. Each type has unique characteristics that influence its suitability for different regions and purposes. Below is an overview of these types, along with examples of popular varieties.
Highbush Blueberries
The highbush varieties (Vaccinium corymbosum) are the most widely cultivated type and dominate the commercial market. These deciduous shrubs thrive in regions with moderate winters (USDA zones 4-8) and are the earliest compared to the other two types, regarding the planting and harvest date (mid-May for the north hemisphere) and the most cold-hardy. The resistance to frost mainly focuses on the plants' flowering time and ability to survive a temperature of 28 °F (-2 °C) or lower (at full bloom). More specifically, only the highbush blueberries can withstand temperatures below -20 to -30 °F ( -28 to -34 °C) during the winter. Furthermore, the high bush varieties need a shorter period from bloom to harvest (depending on the variety and region), which can be 45 to 90 days.
Popular northern highbush varieties include ‘Duke,’ an early-season cultivar prized for its medium-sized, crisp berries, and ‘Bluecrop,’ one of the most widely grown varieties due to its reliable yield and excellent flavor. ‘Chandler’ stands out for its exceptionally large berries and extended ripening season, while ‘Jersey’ is a late-season favorite for its productivity and sweetness.
Southern Highbush Hybrids
Southern highbush varieties are hybrids of highbush and other blueberry species, designed to thrive in regions with milder winters (USDA zones 7-9). These hybrids combine the cold tolerance of highbush with the adaptability of rabbiteye varieties. They are semi-evergreen and ripen earlier than most rabbiteye cultivars.
Notable southern highbush varieties include ‘Emerald,’ which produces large, flavorful berries, and ‘Jewel,’ known for its high yield and excellent fruit quality. These hybrids are commonly grown in regions like California and Florida, where traditional highbush varieties struggle.
Lowbush Blueberries
Lowbush blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium) are compact shrubs native to cooler climates, often thriving in wild settings. These ground-hugging plants are cold-hardy, making them ideal for USDA zones 3-6. Their small, intensely flavored berries are widely used in processed products such as jams, syrups, and baked goods. Typically, they are harvested mechanically in wild settings.
Though wild populations dominate this category, selective breeding has improved certain varieties for commercial and ornamental purposes. Lowbush blueberries are known for their vibrant taste, making them a staple in regions like Maine and Eastern Canada.
Rabbiteye Blueberries
Native to the southeastern United States, rabbiteye blueberries (Vaccinium ashei) are better suited to warmer climates, thriving in USDA zones 7-9. More specifically, the plants of this type are the least cold-hardy and can get severely damaged when the temperature drops below 0°F (-17 °C). However, they are drought-tolerant and adaptable to poor soils. These evergreen shrubs produce berries known for their durability and long shelf life. Their longer bloom-to-harvest period, which spans from 60 to 135 days, aligns with their late-season ripening.
Popular rabbiteye varieties include ‘Tifblue,’ a medium to large-fruited cultivar with a sweet flavor, and ‘Powderblue,’ celebrated for its adaptability and excellent berry quality. The variety ‘Pink Lemonade’ is unique, featuring pink-hued fruit and ornamental appeal.
References
- https://www.blueberriesnz.co.nz/industries/growing/
- https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/ec1304/html
- https://extension.umd.edu/resource/selecting-varieties-planting-and-growing-blueberries
- https://www.uky.edu/Ag/Horticulture/masabni/PPT/blueberry.pdf
- https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/growing-blueberries-in-the-home-garden
- https://www.fas.usda.gov/data/blueberries-around-globe-past-present-and-future#:~:text=However%2C%20production%20has%20continued%20to,36%20percent%20of%20global%20production.
- USDA/AMS, “USDA Vaccinium Crop Vulnerability Statement 2016, Section 1: Blueberries,” Small Fruit Crop Germplasm Committee.
Further reading
14 Interesting Facts about Blueberries
Uses, Nutritional value and Health Benefits of Blueberries
Blueberries vs. Bilberries- Are blueberries and bilberries the same thing?
Blueberry Plant Information-How to Identify Blueberry Plants
Blueberry Soil Conditions and Site Selection
How to Cultivate Blueberries Professionally
Blueberries Propagation and Pollination
Blueberry Water Needs and Irrigation Methods
Essential Blueberry Fertilization Guide: Nutrients, Schedules, and Best Practices