Growing
Highbush Blueberries in Piscataquis County?
Blueberries are native to North America, and the delicious fruit has been harvested in the wild for centuries. In fact Maine is home to the highest harvest of wild blueberries in the nation. However, cultivating and growing blueberry plants in gardens and on farms is a relatively recent occurrence, since breeding and propagation of blueberry plants did not begin until early in the 20th century.
Highbush blueberries belong to the same family of plants as cranberries, rhododendrons and azaleas. They have limited adaptation to the cold winter temperatures of northern New England, but may grow satisfactorily on warmer, protected sites where the winter temperatures do not fall below -25 degrees F. In the past couple of winters we have not been as cold as usual so alot of gardeners are now contemplating planting highbush blueberries.
Because of Maine’s cold winter temperatures and short growing season, select blueberry varieties that are described as very hardy and that ripen early or midseason. Dave Handley, Extension Small Fruit and Vegetable Specialist recommends Patriot, Northland, Bluecrop, Blueray, Meader and Jersey. It is usually best to plant more than one variety. Although most blueberries are self-fruitful, cross-pollination among different varieties may improve fruit set and fruit size. In addition, using two or more varieties that ripen at different times will lengthen the harvest season.
Here is a chart of varieties that have been tested in Minnesota showing several other varieties that might be considered. Most of Piscataquis is zone 4b (warmer than 3b). But remember the taste will not compare to the native lowbush wild blueberry.
As an aside, there are folks that are starting to propagate Maine lowbush wild blueberries for the home garden for fruit and landscape value.
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University of Minnesota, half-high blueberry cultivars (note: yields are collected from zone 3b, reduce up to 50% for zone 3a) |
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cultivar |
plant characteristics |
fruit yield |
fruit characteristics |
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Northblue |
20-40 inches tall |
3-12 lb./plant |
Large, dark blue, firm berries; good fresh flavor; superior processed flavor. |
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Northsky |
20-40 inches wide |
1-5 lb./plant |
Medium, sky-blue berries; sweet, mild, aromatic fresh flavor; superior processed flavor. Ripens with 'Northblue.' Yield and berry size benefit from cross-pollination. |
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Northcountry |
15-40 inches tall |
2-7 lb./plant |
Medium, sky-blue berries; sweet fresh flavor similar to wild lowbush blueberries; ripens 5 days earlier than 'Northblue.' Yield and berry size benefit from cross-pollination. |
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St. Cloud |
30-50 inches tall |
3-9 lb./plant |
Medium, dark blue, firm berries; sweet flavor, crisp texture; good storage capability; ripens 5 days earlier than 'Northblue.' Requires second cultivar for pollination. |
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Polaris |
20-50 inches tall
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3-10 lb./plant |
Medium-large berries; very firm and very crisp texture; intense aromatic flavor; excellent storage capability; ripens 7 days earlier than 'Northblue.' Requires second cultivar for pollination. |
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Chippewa |
20-50 inches tall |
3-12 lb./plant |
Medium-large berries; sky-blue color; sweet flavor; firm fruit; ripens with 'Northblue.' Yield and berry size benefit from cross pollination. |