How to Pick the Right Blueberry Bush to Plant
Wednesday, May 26th, 2010
Although planting blueberries upside down removes seasonal and weather issues that deter the blueberries’ growth, it is still worth knowing what kind of blueberry is best suited to your area. Knowing the different varieties will help you choose which ones to cross-pollinate because cross-pollination is essential to more fruits. It will also help you grow huge blueberries.
Highbush
This is the most common type of blueberry that produces fruits you can purchase in most groceries. This kind adapts to the cold weather well so they are generally cultivated in the Northern and Eastern parts of the U.S. Highbush blueberries are aptly called because they can grow up to six feet high or over.
Lowbush
Lowbush blueberries grow in dense and springy mats close to the ground. Because of this fact, the lowbush kind look like ground covers. It is the coldest hardy type of blueberry so the climate in the North is ideal for its growth. During the second year of maturation, the bushes produce small fruits, which many refer to as “wild berries.”
Half-high or Midhigh
The half-high (or Midhigh) blueberry is a cross between the highbush and the lowbush. Similar to the highbush kind, this type is cold hardy so it is well suited to the regions in the North.
Rabbiteye
This blueberry kind is known to grow in the Florida and Georgia river valleys. It is suited to the climate in the South and thrives in areas where the summers are long. Rabbiteye tolerate poor soils but require a long growing season. If you are planning to cultivate rabbiteye blueberries, plant at least two varieties because this kind requires cross-pollination. This type of blueberry can grow even taller than a highbush.
Grow blueberries inside for its many benefits. Choose any two of these varieties and grow big blueberries. But whether you live in the North, the South, and anywhere in between, you can be sure to find the perfect blueberry bush to plant in your home.
