These plants ship November through May from Pense Berry Farms in Mountainburg, Arkansas. Orders placed between May 21 and October 31 ship in November and December. Online orders of products from Pense Berry Farms require a $150.00 minimum. For smaller orders, please contact us.
2 year old plants, 16-20 inches tall. 1 Liter container.
Key Characteristics of Blue Jay Northern Highbush Blueberry:
Origin: 'Blue Jay' is a Northern Highbush blueberry cultivar (Vaccinium corymbosum) developed by the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station and released in 1978. It was bred for its late ripening, good fruit quality, and upright growth habit.
Patent Status: 'Blue Jay' was released in 1978, prior to the era of widespread plant patenting for fruit cultivars, especially those developed by public institutions. Therefore, 'Blue Jay' Northern Highbush Blueberry was never patented and is now considered a public domain variety. It can be freely propagated and distributed.
Berry Production: Produces medium-sized, firm, light blue berries with a good, sweet flavor. It is known for its consistent and high yields, often producing abundant crops in the late season. The berries have a good shelf life.
Ripening Time: 'Blue Jay' is a late-ripening Northern Highbush blueberry, typically maturing in late July and August, extending the blueberry harvest season into the later part of summer.
Plant Size and Appearance: 'Blue Jay' is a vigorous, upright-growing shrub that can reach a mature height of 5 to 7 feet and a spread of 4 to 6 feet. It has an erect and somewhat open growth habit with attractive green foliage that can develop good fall color, typically turning shades of red and orange.
Flowers: Produces small, white, urn-shaped flowers in clusters during the spring, typical of highbush blueberries. These flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Hardiness: 'Blue Jay' is considered very hardy and is generally adapted to USDA Zones 4 through 7.
Pollination: While 'Blue Jay' is considered partially self-fertile, cross-pollination with another compatible Northern Highbush blueberry variety will result in larger berries and increased yields. Suitable pollinizers include 'Elliott', 'Jersey', and 'Liberty'.
Growing Conditions:
Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight) for optimal fruit production and the best fall color.
Soil: Prefers acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5 that is well-drained and rich in organic matter.
Watering: Needs consistent moisture, especially during establishment, flowering, and fruit development. Regular watering is important, particularly during dry periods.
Fertilizing: Benefits from fertilization in early spring with an acid-forming fertilizer specifically formulated for blueberries.
Pruning: Should be pruned annually in late winter or early spring while the plant is dormant. Focus on removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches, as well as some of the older, less productive wood to encourage new growth.
Uses: The versatile berries are well-suited for:
Fresh eating
Baking into muffins, pies, and other treats
Making jams and preserves
Freezing
Extending the fresh blueberry season.
Wildlife Value: The flowers attract pollinators, and the berries are a food source for birds and other wildlife.
Ornamental Value: 'Blue Jay' offers good ornamental appeal with its spring flowers, attractive summer foliage, and notable red and orange fall color. Its upright habit is also aesthetically pleasing in the landscape.
Disease and Pest Resistance: 'Blue Jay' is generally considered to have good resistance to many common blueberry diseases.
