The Huron blueberry is a popular and productive variety, well-suited for home gardens. Developed by Michigan State University in 2011, this northern highbush cultivar has gained recognition for its adaptability and fruit quality.
Unique Characteristics
Its berries typically range from medium to large in size, showcasing a deep, dark blue color. When fully ripe on the bush, the fruit offers a notably sweet flavor and excellent firmness, alongside a small, dry picking scar. This cultivar is known for its vigorous and upright growth habit, reaching a mature height of approximately 4 to 5 feet.
Huron blueberries are early-ripening, providing a harvest window that can last about three weeks. A mature plant can yield between 8 to 10 pounds of fruit per season. This variety also exhibits good cold hardiness, tolerating winter temperatures down to -25°F, making it suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4 through 7. Furthermore, it shows a good tolerance to fluctuating fall and spring temperatures, and its late flowering date provides some protection against late frosts.
Planting and Site Selection
Blueberries thrive in full sun, requiring at least eight hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruit production. While they can tolerate some partial shade, this typically results in reduced fruit yield. The soil composition is also important; blueberries prefer well-drained, loose, sandy loam soils with a high organic matter content.
A soil pH between 4.0 and 5.5 is necessary for Huron blueberries to absorb nutrients effectively. Many garden soils have a higher pH, so amending the soil to achieve this acidity is often required. Soil testing is recommended to determine the current pH level and nutrient composition. If the pH is too high, elemental sulfur can be incorporated into the soil, ideally six months to a year before planting, to gradually lower it. Incorporating organic materials like peat moss or aged wood chips also helps improve soil structure and acidity.
A general guideline is to plant Huron blueberries about 4 to 5 feet apart within a row, with 6 to 8 feet between rows if planting multiple rows. Dig a planting hole that is at least twice as wide as the root system, and backfill with a mixture of native soil and moistened peat moss or other acidic organic matter. Setting the plant slightly deeper than it was in its nursery container and watering thoroughly after planting helps establish the root system.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Consistent moisture is important for Huron blueberry plants, especially during the growing season and fruit development. Their shallow, fibrous root systems benefit from regular, deep watering, particularly during dry periods. Avoiding waterlogging is equally important, as excessive moisture can lead to root issues. Applying a 3 to 4-inch layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips, pine needles, or bark, helps retain soil moisture, moderate soil temperatures, and suppress weeds.
Blueberries have specific nutritional needs and prefer fertilizers that supply nitrogen in the ammonium form, rather than nitrate. Fertilizers formulated for acid-loving plants, often labeled for azaleas or rhododendrons, are suitable. Examples include formulations like 7-7-7 or 4-3-4, or organic options such as cottonseed meal or composted pine bark. Fertilization typically begins a few weeks after planting for young plants, with established plants benefiting from applications in early spring.
Pruning is an important practice for maintaining plant health and maximizing fruit production. Dormant pruning in late winter or early spring helps shape the bush, remove dead or weak wood, and encourage new, productive growth. For the first year or two after planting, it is advisable to remove any blossoms to direct the plant’s energy towards root and shoot development rather than fruit production. While Huron blueberries are generally robust, maintaining proper soil conditions and plant vigor helps them naturally resist common blueberry pests and diseases.
Harvesting and Yield
The most reliable indicator of ripeness is a uniform deep blue color. Berries should detach easily from the stem with a gentle tug; if resistance is felt, they are likely not fully ripe. Blueberries do not continue to ripen significantly after being picked, so harvesting them at peak maturity is important for optimal sweetness and flavor.
For the best quality and storage life, it is often recommended to pick berries in the morning after the dew has dried. After harvesting, berries should be handled gently to avoid bruising and stored in a cool, dry place or refrigerated to maintain freshness.