Highbush Blueberry 'Jersey'

$34.99
Title

The ‘Jersey’ Blueberry is the quintessence of a classic American orchard. In mid-spring, it is a delicate sight, festooned with dainty, bell-shaped white flowers that occasionally blush with shell-pink. As summer peak arrives, the bush becomes "burly" and heavily laden with dense clusters of small-to-medium, sky-blue berries. Its ornamental charm reaches a crescendo in autumn, when the glossy green foliage ignites into a spectacular display of brilliant scarlet and orange-red, while its smooth, brick-red winter stems provide a warm, structural silhouette against the snow.

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Plant Details

Difficulty:

Easy

Zone:

4-8

Watering:

Medium to High

Years To Bear:

2–3

Plant Type:

Fruit Bush (Highbush)

Light:

Full Sun

Plant Profile

Common Names:

Jersey Blueberry, Jersey Highbush Blueberry

Scientific Name:

Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Jersey’

Growth Details:

Mature Size: 6–8 feet tall and wide.

Growth Habit/Form: Upright, spreading, and robust; can be slightly "leggy" at the base.

Growth Rate: Medium to fast.

Longevity: Approximately 30 years.

Features:

Commercial Classic: Once the most popular commercial variety in the world.

Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and songbirds.

Uses: Exceptional for baking (holds shape well), fresh eating, and preserves.

High Chill: Needs 800–1,000+ chill hours to fruit effectively.

Environmental Needs:

Exposure: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil Preferences: Requires sandy, acidic soils (pH 4.8 to 5.2) rich in organic matter.

Soil Tolerance: Intolerant of alkaline soils, which cause yellowing (chlorosis).

Watering: Prefers evenly moist conditions; cannot tolerate standing water.

Plant Care

Care:

Light: Thrives in full sun for the best fruit production.

Moisture: Shallow, fibrous roots require constant moisture; do not allow the soil to dry out completely.

Maintenance & Fertilization: Apply an acidic fertilizer in early spring. Prune in late winter after the third year to remove old wood and maintain vigor.

Tips For Success:

Mulching: Use a thick layer of organic mulch (pine bark or needles) to keep roots cool and preserve acidity.

Bird Protection: Netting is essential as berries ripen, as songbirds will quickly claim the sweet harvest.

Establishment: Remove flowers for the first two years to encourage the plant to focus on root and foliage growth.

Planting Considerations:

Best Time To Plant: Early spring or fall.

Spacing: 6–8 feet apart for full-sized growth.

Location Tips: Best in a sheltered location; avoid urban streetside plantings due to sensitivity to pollution.

Fruit Profile

Size:

Small to medium (up to 1/2" diameter)

Colour:

Light blue to dark blue with a greyish waxy bloom

Texture:

Firm and juicy

Flavour:

Very sweet, classic old-fashioned blueberry taste; highly aromatic

Harvest Time:

Late mid-season to late summer (typically late July to August)

Pollination Requirements:

Self-fertile, but yields significantly better fruit when planted near another variety like 'Bluecrop' or 'Blueray'.