Blueberry Bluejay

🫐 Bluejay Blueberry Overview

The Bluejay blueberry is a highbush blueberry variety prized for its large, flavorful berries and good cold hardiness. It’s a favorite for both commercial growers and home gardeners in colder climates, offering delicious fruit and dependable production.

🌱 Origin & Background

• Type: Northern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum).

• Developed: Released in the 1980s by the University of Minnesota.

• Purpose: Bred for cold hardiness, large fruit size, and disease resistance.

• Grows well in colder regions with harsh winters.

🎨 Appearance

• Plant Size: Medium to large shrub, growing 5 to 7 feet tall.

• Leaves: Medium green, turning red or orange in fall.

• Flowers: White, bell-shaped clusters in spring.

• Fruit: Large, firm, round berries with a deep blue color and silvery bloom.

🍬 Flavor & Texture

• Taste: Sweet-tart flavor, classic blueberry taste with good balance.

• Texture: Firm and juicy, excellent for fresh eating and processing.

• Harvest Time: Mid to late season (usually July to August).

🧁 Best Uses

• Fresh eating: Large, sweet berries perfect for snacking.

• Baking & cooking: Great in pies, muffins, jams, and sauces.

• Freezing & preserving: Holds texture and flavor well.

• Wildlife-friendly: Birds love the berries too!