Grow Your Own Blueberries

Different types of blueberries are suited to different climates.

Northern highbush: If you live in the Northeast, Midwest, Northwest, High Plains, or Mountain West, look for northern highbush blueberries. They have large fruits and are hardy in Zones 4-7. Common varieties include 'Bluecrop', 'Earliblue', and 'Jersey'.

Southern highbush: If you live in the South or California, look southern highbush varieties. They don't need as much winter cold to bear well, and still produce large, flavorful fruits. The plants are hardy in Zones 7-10. Popular varieties include 'Oneal', 'Ozarkblue', and 'Legacy'.

Rabbiteye: Southern and Northwestern gardeners can also grow rabbiteye blueberries, which are more compact shrubs than southern highbush types. The fruits also tend to be smaller and appear later in the season. Rabbiteye varieties are hardy in Zones 7-9. Top rabbiteye varieties include 'Premier' and 'Powderblue'.

Lowbush: Lowbush blueberry is also good choice for gardeners in the north. It has more of a groundcover habit and bears small, delicious fruits. It's hardy in Zones 3-6.

Here's a hint: Most blueberries need another variety near them to bear lots of fruit. So it's best to plant at least two cultivars of the same type in your yard to ensure good harvests.

Learn more about Pink Lemonade, a new blueberry with pink fruits.

Learn more about the top blueberry varieties.