Northern Highbush
Bluecrop Blueberry is a Northern Highbush cultivar that has anchored the commercial blueberry industry for decades, and for good reason. Developed in 1934 and introduced in 1941, this cold-hardy variety thrives in zones 4 through 8, reaching 4 to 6 feet tall with an upright, architectural habit. It produces large, light blue berries in open clusters from July through late August, yielding 5 to 10 pounds of fruit annually once established. Self-pollinating but more generous when cross-pollinated with Jersey or Earliblue, Bluecrop combines reliable productivity with the bonus of brilliant red fall foliage and glowing red winter wood that extends its ornamental appeal far beyond the growing season.
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Full Sun
Moderate
4-8
72in H x 48in W
Perennial
High
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Large, light blue berries with excellent flavor ripening in mid-summer distinguish Bluecrop from earlier and later varieties. The plant's upright growth habit and striking seasonal color changes make it as beautiful in the landscape as it is productive in the kitchen. Its proven cold-hardiness and need for just 800+ chill hours means gardeners in northern regions can count on consistent crops year after year, while the self-pollinating nature removes the guesswork from successful fruit set.
These berries shine fresh off the plant, tossed into salads, or served simply with cream. They freeze and can beautifully, making them ideal for preserving summer's abundance. Beyond the kitchen, Bluecrop functions as a striking landscape shrub, offering spring flowers, summer fruit, autumn color, and winter interest all in one plant.
Bluecrop arrives as a bareroot or container plant from nurseries. Plant in early spring or fall when the plant is dormant, spacing plants 4 feet apart. Ensure soil has been amended to reach a pH of 4.5 to 5.5 before planting. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball and settle the plant at the same depth it was growing in its container. Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture through the first growing season.
Bluecrop berries ripen over several weeks from late June through late August. Pick only when completely blue and slightly springy when squeezed gently; underripe berries won't ripen further once removed. Harvest regularly to encourage continued fruiting, and refrigerate berries shortly after picking. Do not wash them until you're ready to eat, as moisture encourages spoilage.
Prune Bluecrop to maintain its upright form and encourage open growth that allows light and air to reach the fruiting canes. Remove any crossing or diseased wood, and thin out older canes as the plant matures to sustain productivity. Light pruning in late winter, before new growth emerges, encourages stronger flowering and larger berries.
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“Bluecrop emerged from breeding work in 1934 and was introduced to growers in 1941, arriving at a pivotal moment when the blueberry industry was still establishing itself. The variety quickly became a cornerstone of commercial production, prized by growers and researchers alike for its combination of productivity, flavor, and hardiness. Its success in both commercial orchards and home gardens over more than 80 years speaks to the careful selection work that went into its development, making it one of the defining cultivars of the Northern Highbush type.”