Bluecrisp blueberry plants are a low-chill, tetraploid highbush variety, developed from a complex genetic background including Vaccinium corymbosum L. and Vaccinium darrowi Camp. This variety offers a rewarding experience for home gardeners, combining desirable traits for cultivation.
Bluecrisp Blueberry Characteristics
Bluecrisp blueberries produce large, firm berries with good flavor and a clean picking scar. A unique feature is their crisp, crunchy texture when chilled to approximately 10°C. The bush exhibits a vigorous, semi-upright growth habit, ranging from upright to spreading.
This variety adapts to warmer climates due to its low chilling requirement, flowering and leafing vigorously in regions where the mean temperature of the coldest month is 58°F or colder. Bluecrisp also shows good resistance to Phytophthora cinnamomi and Botryosphaeria dothidia.
Planting and Growing Bluecrisp Blueberries
Planting Bluecrisp blueberries requires careful site selection. They thrive in full sunlight, ideally receiving six to eight hours daily, though partial shade is tolerated but may reduce fruit production. Blueberries need well-draining, acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. If the soil pH is too high, amend it with elemental sulfur or peat moss before planting.
Space plants 4 to 6 feet apart to ensure proper air circulation and growth. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. After placing the plant, backfill with amended soil, tamp gently to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly. The optimal planting time is typically early to late spring, after winter’s chill recedes.
Consistent moisture is crucial for Bluecrisp blueberries, especially during dry periods and fruit development, due to their shallow root systems. Provide 1 to 2 inches of water per week, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Apply a 3 to 4-inch layer of organic mulch, like pine needles or bark, to retain moisture, regulate temperature, and maintain soil acidity. Fertilize annually in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer for acid-loving plants.
Pruning maintains plant vigor, shape, and maximizes fruit yield, and is best done in late winter while the bush is dormant. Remove older, less productive canes, weak growth, and any crossing or damaged branches to promote new growth and improve air circulation. Good cultural practices, including proper watering and airflow, further support overall plant health.
Harvesting Bluecrisp Blueberries
Bluecrisp blueberries typically ripen about 60 days after flowering, with significant harvest occurring between late April and mid-May in warmer regions like north-central Florida. A full, deep blue color across the entire berry indicates ripeness. However, waiting a few days after they color fully allows them to develop their best flavor.
To harvest, gently roll berries between your fingers; ripe ones detach easily from the stem. Avoid pulling, which can damage the plant or unripe fruit. Harvesting in the morning when berries are cool helps maintain quality. This variety offers a high yield throughout its harvest period.