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.
Blue Ray Northern Highbush Blueberry
Key Characteristics
Origin: 'Blue Ray' is a Northern Highbush blueberry cultivar (Vaccinium corymbosum) developed through a cross between 'Jersey' and 'GM-78' at the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station and released in 1955. It was bred for its early ripening, large fruit size, and good productivity.
Patent Status: 'Blue Ray' Blueberry was released in 1955, prior to the era of widespread plant patenting for fruit cultivars; therefore, 'Blue Ray' Blueberry either is not patented, or any granted patent has since expired, and it is considered a public domain variety. It can be freely propagated and distributed.
Berry Production: Produces large, firm, light blue berries with a good, sweet flavor. It is known for its early and abundant yields. The berries have good post-harvest handling potential.
Ripening Time: 'Blue Ray' is an early-ripening Northern Highbush blueberry, typically maturing in late June to early July, making it one of the first highbush varieties to ripen.
Plant Size and Appearance: 'Blue Ray' is a vigorous, upright-spreading shrub that can reach a mature height of 4 to 6 feet and a spread of 3 to 4 feet. It has attractive, dark green foliage that turns reddish in the fall, offering good autumn color.
Flowers: Produces white, bell-shaped flowers in clusters during the mid-spring. These flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Hardiness: 'Blue Ray' is very cold hardy, generally adapted to USDA Zones 4 through 7, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
Pollination: While 'Blue Ray' is considered self-fertile, cross-pollination with another compatible Northern Highbush blueberry variety that blooms around the same time is recommended for optimal fruit set, larger berries, and increased yields. Suitable pollinizers include 'Duke', 'Earliblue', and 'Patriot'.
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 early and flavorful berries are excellent for:
Fresh eating
Baking into muffins, pies, and other treats
Making jams, jellies, and preserves
Freezing well
Extending the early blueberry season.
Wildlife Value: The flowers attract pollinators, and the berries are a food source for birds.
Ornamental Value: 'Blue Ray' offers seasonal ornamental appeal with its spring flowers, attractive summer foliage, delicious berries, and reddish fall color. Its upright habit makes it suitable for various landscape uses.
Disease and Pest Resistance: 'Blue Ray' is generally considered to have good disease resistance.
