What varieties of Blueberries do you like best?

[oregonkat]

Dedicating a bed to Blueberries this fall and would like to know which varieties are at the top of anyones list!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Oh lord... I planted 17 varieties this year with more planned in the future!

https://extension.psu.edu/blueberry-variety-selection-in-the-home-fruit-planting

https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/catalog/files/project/pdf/pnw656.pdf

I go out of my way to grow varieties that literally cannot make it to market. I haven't selected a favorite yet, I like the sweeter ones better than tart which is actually a flavor profile and not just ripeness. Choosing what will grow in your area is always important. As well as ones that are suited to your picking style and fresh, frozen, or jammed intentions.

A local organic blueberry farm has many varieties but picks them all together. There was one that tasted like Italian seasoning or rosemary. I thought maybe some organic pesticide... but NO, it was a variety... I didn't like that one as it was weirdly savory, but she wouldn't/couldn't identify it. It might go well served on top of some pork or beef... (gotta add chicken in even though I don't instantly THINK it pairs well). The owner said it was one of her faves!

Hope this is helpful.

 

[oregonkat]

@EggSighted4Life thank you. Very helpful link to PSU. I actually had no idea that there were so many to choose from!! My girlfriend grows Chandler and her daughter actually won with them at the local fair! I was thinking I would grow some of those.
Obviously, there is some studying to be done. Thanks again.

 

[oregonkat]

Well, I got started here:
https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/catalog/files/project/pdf/pnw656.pdf
It seemed appropriate to at least get on to my side of the country

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Just marking my place to read through the links tomorrow. Almost my bedtime.

 

[Melky]

Dedicating a bed to Blueberries this fall and would like to know which varieties are at the top of anyones list!

I would say a lot depends on what is available and will grow in your area. I grow Top Hat because they are small bushes that produce a lot and I am limited in space. If growing for just self and limited space this is good blueberry. Great flavor!

 

[oregonkat]

@EggSighted4Life in reading about the different varieties, I discovered that several of them, mostly old heritage varieties, can object to 'non blueberry soil'. What special stuff do you do to your soil to make yours happy?
My soil is compost amended (for years now) with added nitrogen and phosphorous. PH tends towards the neutral and I am assuming that the berries like it acidic? Is this correct?

 

[Melky]

@EggSighted4Life in reading about the different varieties, I discovered that several of them, mostly old heritage varieties, can object to 'non blueberry soil'. What special stuff do you do to your soil to make yours happy?
My soil is compost amended (for years now) with added nitrogen and phosphorous. PH tends towards the neutral and I am assuming that the berries like it acidic? Is this correct?

Blueberries like it acidic Ph 4-5. I use organic acidifier from Espoma. It is safer than aluminum sulfate. Same thing you use to make hydrangeas blue. Follow directions on the package.

 

[oregonkat]

Blueberries like it acidic Ph 4-5. I use organic acidifier from Espoma. It safer than aluminum sulfate. Same thing you use to make hydrangeas blue. Follow directions on the package.

Thank you so much. I will get some of this stuff.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

@EggSighted4Life in reading about the different varieties, I discovered that several of them, mostly old heritage varieties, can object to 'non blueberry soil'. What special stuff do you do to your soil to make yours happy?
My soil is compost amended (for years now) with added nitrogen and phosphorous. PH tends towards the neutral and I am assuming that the berries like it acidic? Is this correct?

I didn't test my soil... just looked around to see what grows on average and figure it's close. We got redwoods everywhere, so I believe we are acidic.

I just mixed peat moss 50% with my soil... turns out... nothing grows without water! And as much as I like think "I live in the PNW", man is it ever dry here during this season. I should have done better... but I spent my energy making baskets to protect the roots from gophers. Most plants seem like they are doing well enough, but I'm SURE they could do even better.

This was my first year planting them. I ate 4 blueberries of one plant. They were tasty. Funny I see another plant flowering right now! I had an Asian pear tree that used to flower twice per year. Maybe the weather is confusing them? Or maybe my planting stinks and they are afraid they are dying hence flowering again! They look pretty good though so probably not the last one.

Can't wait for next year!