The number of blueberry varieties is complex because the term “variety” is used differently by growers and consumers. Biologically, the number is small, focusing on a handful of major species. However, if the count includes all commercially available and named types developed by plant breeders (cultivars), the number expands significantly. The true count depends on whether one considers foundational genetics or specific, marketable traits.
Understanding the Classification: Species Versus Cultivars
The blueberry belongs to the genus Vaccinium, which also includes cranberries and bilberries. Only a few main species within this genus form the basis of all commercially grown blueberries today. These species represent the foundational biological groups from which all other types are derived.
A species is a naturally occurring group of plants that can interbreed. A cultivar, short for “cultivated variety,” is a plant selected and bred by humans for desirable characteristics. These are the named types seen in nurseries, such as ‘Duke,’ ‘Bluecrop,’ or ‘Legacy.’
While the number of underlying species is small, plant breeders have developed hundreds of distinct cultivars globally. These cultivars are engineered to have specific attributes like early ripening, disease resistance, or particular flavor profiles. Highbush blueberries alone have more than 50 cultivars, suggesting the practical answer for farmers is hundreds of named varieties.
The Four Primary Categories of Blueberries
Breeders have categorized the hundreds of cultivars into four main groups based on their growth habit and temperature adaptation. These four categories represent the practical choices for growers worldwide.
Northern Highbush
Northern Highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) are the most common type grown commercially worldwide. These varieties are characterized by tall bushes, reaching up to 9 feet in height. They yield large, firm berries with the classic, well-balanced flavor, popular for fresh consumption and processing. Northern Highbush requires cold winters to produce fruit, making them the standard for temperate climates.
Southern Highbush
Southern Highbush varieties were developed by crossing Northern Highbush with native Southern species like V. darrowii. This hybridization created a blueberry adapted to regions with milder winters. The berries are generally large, sweet, and ripen earlier than their Northern counterparts. These plants are the choice for growers in the southern United States and other warm climates.
Lowbush
Lowbush blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium) are often referred to as “wild” blueberries and are native to the cooler climates of northeastern North America. These plants are much shorter, typically growing only 6 to 18 inches high, forming a dense ground cover. The fruit is notably smaller than Highbush types but possesses a more intense, concentrated flavor. They are frequently harvested for processing into jams, pies, and frozen products.
Rabbiteye
Rabbiteye blueberries (Vaccinium virgatum) are native to the southeastern United States and are known for their exceptional resilience. The plants are highly tolerant of heat, drought, and less acidic soils compared to Highbush varieties. Their name comes from the pinkish, immature fruit stage, which resembles a rabbit’s eye before ripening. Rabbiteye berries tend to have a thicker skin and small, noticeable seeds, but they are highly productive in warm growing regions.
Geographic Suitability and Cultivation Needs
The distinct blueberry categories exist due to varying environmental conditions, particularly the need for specific cold and soil parameters. A major factor is the chilling hour requirement: the cumulative number of hours below 45 degrees Fahrenheit needed during winter for the plant to break dormancy and set fruit. Northern Highbush varieties are “high chill,” requiring 800 to 1,000 chilling hours for a proper harvest.
Southern Highbush and Rabbiteye varieties are “low chill,” needing only 150 to 800 hours of cold. This makes them suitable for mild-winter regions like the southern US and California. Matching the plant to the local climate is important, as planting a high-chill variety in a low-chill area results in poor fruit production. Rabbiteye varieties also exhibit superior heat and drought tolerance, making them robust options for hot, humid summers.
All blueberries require highly acidic, well-drained soil, generally preferring a pH range between 4.5 and 5.5 for optimal nutrient uptake. This acidic soil requirement is non-negotiable for all varieties. Rabbiteye types can sometimes tolerate a slightly higher pH than the others. Understanding these specific needs allows growers to select the correct category for their location.