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 Bluecrop Blueberry:
Origin: 'Bluecrop' is a Northern Highbush blueberry cultivar (Vaccinium corymbosum) developed through a cooperative breeding program between the USDA-ARS and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. It was selected in 1934 and released in 1941. It is a cross between the cultivars 'GM-78' and 'Stanley'. 'Bluecrop' quickly became one of the most widely planted blueberry varieties in the world due to its adaptability, high yields, good fruit quality, and disease resistance.
Patent Status: 'Bluecrop' was released in 1941, prior to the era of widespread plant patenting for fruit cultivars. Therefore, 'Bluecrop' Blueberry is not patented and is considered a public domain variety. It can be freely propagated and distributed.
Berry Production: Produces large, firm, light blue berries with a mild, sweet flavor. It is known for its consistently high and reliable yields over a long harvest period. The berries have good post-harvest handling and freeze well.
Ripening Time: 'Bluecrop' is a mid-season ripening Northern Highbush blueberry, typically maturing in mid to late July in many regions.
Plant Size and Appearance: 'Bluecrop' is a vigorous, upright-spreading shrub that typically reaches a mature height of 4 to 6 feet and a spread of 3 to 4 feet, though it can grow larger under optimal conditions. It has attractive, dark green foliage that turns beautiful shades of red and yellow in the fall.
Flowers: Produces dainty clusters of white, bell-shaped flowers with occasional shell pink overtones in mid-spring. These flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Hardiness: 'Bluecrop' is very cold hardy, generally adapted to USDA Zones 4 through 7, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
Pollination: While 'Bluecrop' is self-fertile, cross-pollination with another compatible Northern Highbush blueberry variety will result in larger berries and increased yields. Recommended pollinizers include 'Duke', 'Jersey', and 'Earliblue'.
Growing Conditions:
Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight) for optimal fruit production and flavor.
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.
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 and maintain good air circulation.
Uses: The versatile berries are excellent for:
Fresh eating
Baking into muffins, pies, and other treats
Making jams, jellies, and preserves
Freezing
Commercial production due to its high yields and adaptability.
Wildlife Value: The flowers attract pollinators, and the berries are a food source for birds.
Ornamental Value: 'Bluecrop' offers year-round ornamental appeal with its spring flowers, attractive summer foliage, delicious berries, and vibrant fall color. Its upright habit also makes it suitable for hedges or borders.
Disease and Pest Resistance: 'Bluecrop' is known for its good resistance to many common blueberry diseases, including stem blight and root rot. It also shows good tolerance to leaf spot.
