Bluejay Blueberry

The Blue Jay Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum 'Blue Jay') flies high among its peers. This distinct variety was developed by Michigan State University in the late 1970s, and it is one of the best choices for the home gardener--whether it is the delicious berries or the beautiful bush that they grow on, you will have a hard time finding a better variety.

The delicious and sweet fruit of the Blue Jay Highbush Blueberry will ripen in mid-season. The medium size berries grow in tempting clusters, and these dark blue to purple berries shine against the deep forest green foliage of the bush. The berries are mild in flavor with firm, sweet flesh. They will make some of the best pies and jam you can imagine, and they also freeze well--that is if you don't eat all of them straight from the bush.

In spring, the Blue Jay Highbush Blueberry bush will be covered with clusters of adorable bell-shaped blossoms, with petals that often blush with a hint of pink. This variety is self-fertile, but like other blueberries, you will get a better yield if you cross-pollinate it with another variety.

Pollinators, like bees and butterflies will thank you for planting Blue Jay Highbushes, as they flit from blossom to blossom. But beware, neighborhood birds will love your berries as much as you, so if you don't like sharing, you might need to cover your crop with netting.

If you are looking for a variety that is vigorous and fast growing, you can stop your search because the Blue Jay Highbush Blueberry is both. Its berries develop the bush attractively and in unison, allowing you to pick just once, and one bush will give you pounds upon pounds of fruit to enjoy.

The Blue Jay Highbush winters well, so don't worry about cold, winter weather. This variety is also great for landscaping--surround your yard with an edible hedge, deep green in the summer and beautiful orange to red foliage in the fall.

Your Blue Jay Highbush Blueberry prefers full sun, but won't mind if you put it in partial shade. Find a spot with rich soil that is moist to wet. Like other varieties, this one needs acidic soil. Plant it with a lot of peat moss and mulch. Water it regularly during the first year, and give it an extra drink when it is hot and dry.

Get ready to plant your Blue Jay Highbush Blueberry and get ready to feast on blueberries. And don't forget that your Blue Jay Highbush Blueberry can live up to 30 years--giving you a delicious crop every year. Plant enough bushes for you and your feathered friends to enjoy all summer.