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 Jersey Blueberry:
Origin: 'Jersey' is a highbush blueberry cultivar (Vaccinium corymbosum) developed at the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station in New Jersey. It was released in 1928 and is one of the oldest and most widely planted highbush blueberry varieties. It was selected for its productivity, vigor, and adaptability.
Patent Status: 'Jersey' was released in 1928, prior to the era of widespread plant patenting for fruit cultivars, especially those developed by public institutions. Therefore, 'Jersey' blueberry was never patented and is now considered a public domain variety. It can be freely propagated and distributed.
Berry Production: Produces medium-sized, light blue berries with a firm texture and a good, mildly sweet flavor. It is known for its very high and consistent yields, often bearing heavily. The berries are produced in loose, open clusters, which can make harvesting easier.
Ripening Time: 'Jersey' is a late-season ripening highbush blueberry, typically maturing in mid to late July, extending the blueberry harvest season.
Plant Size and Appearance: 'Jersey' is a vigorous, upright-growing shrub that can reach a mature height of 6 to 10 feet and a spread of 4 to 6 feet. It has an open, somewhat leggy growth habit with attractive green foliage that turns reddish-bronze in the fall, providing good autumn color.
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: 'Jersey' is considered quite hardy and is generally adapted to USDA Zones 4 through 8.
Pollination: While 'Jersey' is considered partially self-fertile, cross-pollination with another compatible highbush blueberry variety will result in larger berries and increased yields. Recommended pollinizers include 'Bluecrop', 'Elliott', and 'Rubel'.
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
Commercial production due to its high yields and late ripening.
Wildlife Value: The flowers attract pollinators, and the berries are a food source for birds and other wildlife.
Ornamental Value: 'Jersey' offers good ornamental appeal with its spring flowers, attractive summer foliage, and notable reddish-bronze fall color. Its upright habit can also make it useful in hedges or borders.
Disease and Pest Resistance: 'Jersey' has good overall disease resistance but can be susceptible to certain fungal diseases under wet conditions. It is also generally resistant to many common blueberry pests.
