Blueberries are aboriginal to North America , where they have been use up by Native Americans for century . They were first cultivated commercially in the former twentieth century . Today , they are grown in various area around the creation , include North America , South America , Europe , and Asia .

blueberry raise on abject creeping bush or magniloquent erect bushes , depend upon variety . The small orotund berries can rank in sizing from 5 - 16 mm in diam . They first appear green , but ripen into a recondite shade of dusty blue . They are available class - round with a superlative season in the summer .

blueberry have a sweet and woodsy flavor with an acidity that can vary depending upon grow conditions . Long sunny days and quick temperature develop a higher loot content , while cooler temperatures and shorter mean solar day with circumscribed sunshine step-up acidity . After harvesting some plant misplace their leaves while other miscellanea retain their foliage year - round , becoming a colorful intermixture bronze , red and purpleness in the autumn .

Blueberries are botanically class within the Vaccinium genus , along with cranberry and lingonberries . Though there are thirteen different species of Blueberries , the most usually recognized are : Highbush blueberries ( Vaccinium corymbosum ) commonly grown in temperate climates . Lowbush blueberries ( genus Vaccinium angustifolium ) are native to colder realm and are often grown in the wild . Rabbiteye blueberries ( Vaccinium virgatum ) are aboriginal to the southeasterly United States and are adapted to warmer climate .

Types & Cultivars

Northern highbush

These are the most common type of blueberry grown , and they thrive in cold climates with retentive wintertime . They postulate a circle of scarey hour ( between 800 and 1000 ) to produce fruit . Northern highbush blueberry bush are known for their large , mellifluous berries .

Cultivars of Northern Highbush

Southern highbush

southerly highbush variety are a character of blueberry that are well - befit to fond climates , such as those find in the southerly United States . They are a hybrid of northerly highbush and native southern blueberry specie . They want few scary hours ( between 400 and 700 ) to create fruit . Southern highbush blueberries are also known for their big , sugared Berry .

Cultivars of Southern Highbush

Rabbiteye

These blueberries are aboriginal to the southeast United States , and they are well - suit for hot , humid climate . They are resistive to many disease and pests , and they can tolerate a wide-eyed range of soil weather than other types of blueberries . Vaccinium ashei blueberry bush have a slightly tangy tone , but they are still very delectable .

Cultivars of Rabbiteye

Lowbush

These are also call in savage blueberries , and they are native to North America . They are smaller than other type of blueberries , but they have a more concentrated savor . They are often used in jams and jellies . These varieties are grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 2 to 8 and are well - suit for very cold climate .

variety of Lowbush

Half-high

Half - high blueberry bush variety are a intercrossed cross between lowbush and highbush blueberries . They are typically low than highbush blueberry , growing up to 4 groundwork marvellous , but are more cold - tolerant and have a longer fruiting time of year . Half - high blueberry bush are a good pick for gardeners who have limited outer space .

Cultivars of Half - high