Elliott Blueberry
Northern Highbush · Zones 4–7 · Very late — extends the season
Where to buy Plan its pollination partner
Plant Elliott for one job: blueberries after everyone else's bushes are done. One of the latest-ripening highbush varieties, it stretches a northern harvest toward late summer — but only rewards patience, because its berries need to hang until fully ripe to lose their tart edge.
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 | Very late — extends the season |
| Mature size | 5–7 ft tall |
| Berry | Medium-large, firm |
| Flavor (nursery descriptions) | Tangy-sweet; can be tart if picked early — sweetens fully ripe |
| Expected yield | Mature highbush commonly 10–15 lb per bush |
| 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 Elliott:
- Chandler — Northern Highbush, Mid to late — up to 6 weeks of picking, zones 4–7
- Jersey — Northern Highbush, Late, 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 Elliott fits your yard?
Run the Variety Finder with your zone and space — it only recommends varieties whose chill hours and size actually match.