Bluecrop Blueberry
Northern Highbush · Zones 4–7 · Mid-season — the peak
Check price at Stark Bro's Plan its pollination partner
The most widely planted blueberry in the world for a reason: consistent heavy crops, firm berries that handle picking and freezing, and more drought tolerance once established than most highbush varieties. Developed in the 1930s–40s and still the variety other mid-season bushes are judged against. If a neighbor succeeds with one blueberry, it is usually this one.
Specifications
| Type | Northern Highbush |
| USDA zones | 4–7 |
| Chill hours | ~800–1,000 hours below 45°F (sources vary slightly by nursery stock — confirm with your seller) |
| Harvest season | Mid-season — the peak |
| Mature size | 4–6 ft tall |
| Berry | Large, firm, light blue |
| Flavor (nursery descriptions) | Mild, sweet, balanced — the classic all-purpose berry |
| Expected yield | Mature highbush commonly 10–20 lb per bush in good years (nursery/extension range for the type) |
| Container suitable | Better in the ground; very large pots only |
Pollination
This variety is self-fertile, so one bush will fruit on its own — but a compatible second variety planted nearby reliably means more and larger berries, which is why nurseries and extension guides recommend planting in pairs or trios.
Good partners for Bluecrop:
- Duke — Northern Highbush, Early — first of the season, zones 4–7
- Jersey — Northern Highbush, Late, zones 4–7
- Blueray — Northern Highbush, Early to mid, zones 4–7
Before you plant
- Soil pH 4.5–5.5, tested before planting — the pH guide
- Full sun (6–8+ hours) and soil that never sits soggy
- Space highbush 4–5 ft apart, rabbiteye 5–6 ft, dwarfs 2–3 ft — planner
- Remove flowers in year one so the bush builds roots, not a handful of berries
Not sure Bluecrop fits your yard?
Run the Variety Finder with your zone and space — it only recommends varieties whose chill hours and size actually match.