California holds a unique and significant position in the domestic market for fresh blueberries. The state is often one of the first to bring a substantial volume of berries to grocery store shelves each year, providing consumers with a taste of summer long before northern growing regions begin their harvest. This early availability is a result of California’s diverse climate and the specific horticultural techniques employed by its growers.
The General Timeline of California Blueberry Season
The commercial blueberry harvest in California typically begins in early spring, marking the start of the domestic supply. The broad statewide window for fresh berries generally runs from April and can extend through the end of September. This lengthy period is made possible by the state’s varied geography and the planting of multiple varieties with staggered ripening times.
The supply volume escalates quickly after the initial harvest, with peak production occurring during the late spring and early summer months. The highest volume and best quality fruit are harvested in May and June, which is the prime time for fresh market consumption.
How Regional Climate Affects Harvest Dates
The start and end dates of the harvest vary considerably due to the distinct microclimates across the state. Southern California growing areas, which experience the mildest winters, are often the first to begin picking, sometimes as early as late March or the beginning of April. This early start capitalizes on the warm, low-chill environment.
The Central Valley, particularly the San Joaquin Valley, represents the core of California’s commercial blueberry production. This region typically hits its stride in May, providing the bulk of the state’s supply through June. Moving further north and toward coastal areas, the season starts later and can extend into the late summer, with some regions harvesting into July and August. Timing differences are primarily dictated by the accumulation of “chill hours,” which vary significantly by latitude and elevation.
Low-Chill Varieties and Extended Availability
California’s ability to supply blueberries so early is directly related to the selection of specific plant genetics. Most of the state’s commercial production relies on Southern Highbush varieties, which are genetically distinct from the Northern Highbush varieties grown in colder climates. These southern types have been bred to require significantly fewer chill hours to break dormancy and set fruit.
A chill hour is defined as one hour where the temperature is between 32°F and 45°F (0°C and 7.2°C). Northern varieties may need 800 or more chill hours. Southern Highbush cultivars like ‘Sharpblue,’ ‘Emerald,’ and ‘Jewel’ only require between 150 and 800 chill hours. This lower requirement allows the plants to flower and produce fruit much earlier in the year, particularly in the state’s mild winter zones. This adaptation to the climate underpins California’s extended and early blueberry season.
Where to Purchase Fresh California Blueberries
Consumers can find the fresh fruit across several distribution channels during the season, starting with the earliest harvests supplying major grocery store chains. The large commercial farms in the Central Valley ship their peak production volume directly to these retailers from late April through June. This ensures a consistent supply of California-grown fruit throughout the peak season.
For the most direct and localized experience, consumers should seek out farmers markets and U-Pick operations. Farmers markets are an excellent place to find local and sometimes smaller varieties that may not be shipped commercially. U-Pick farms, often found in coastal or smaller valley regions, offer the chance to harvest varieties like ‘Sunshine Blue’ or ‘Misty’ directly from the bush, often extending the picking experience into the later summer months.