Arlen is a late-ripening highbush blueberry bred at the University of North Carolina Agriculture Research Station, reaching 5 to 6 feet tall with strong upright vigor. Hardy in zones 5 through 8, it thrives in full sun and tolerates both heat and humidity well. The variety ripens about 7 days later than 'Legacy', extending your harvest window into late season, and resists stem blight disease. In New Jersey trials, Arlen consistently produced 15 pounds per plant, making it a reliable producer for home and market growers alike.
Full Sun
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5-8
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Moderate
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Arlen brings serious productivity to the late-season blueberry harvest, ripening a full week after 'Legacy' to give you berries when other varieties have finished. The plant's natural upright form and strong vigor mean less pruning fuss and more reliable structure in the garden. Its resistance to stem blight and proven 15-pound yields from established plants prove this isn't a pretty face; it actually delivers fruit.
Arlen's late-ripening habit makes it invaluable for extending the fresh blueberry season from summer into early fall. Fresh eating is the primary use, where the extended ripening window allows you to harvest fully mature berries over a longer period rather than all at once. The consistent productivity also suits small-scale commercial growers and serious home gardeners who want reliable yields.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Plant bare-root or container-grown Arlen blueberries in spring or fall when soil is workable. Dig a hole slightly deeper than the root ball and backfill with amended, acidic soil. Space plants 4 to 6 feet apart. Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil around the roots.
Arlen ripens about 7 days later than 'Legacy', making it a late-season variety. Harvest when berries are fully blue with no red or green coloring remaining; they will not ripen further after picking. Wait until berries feel slightly soft to gentle touch and separate easily from the stem. Plan harvests for mid to late summer depending on your zone, allowing you to extend the fresh blueberry season beyond earlier varieties.
Arlen's upright growth habit requires minimal pruning compared to spreading types. In early spring, remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches to maintain open structure and improve air circulation. Thin out low-hanging or crowded canes to encourage strong scaffold branches. Light annual pruning maintains vigor and productivity without compromising fruit production.
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“Arlen emerged from the University of North Carolina Agriculture Research Station as part of their highbush blueberry breeding program. The variety represents deliberate development for late-season ripening and disease resistance, addressing gaps that home and commercial growers needed filled. Since its release, it has proven itself in northern growing regions, with documented yields from New Jersey trials demonstrating consistent performance across multiple seasons.”