Early southern harvests and hot summers
Misty Blueberry
Southern Highbush · Zones 5–9 · Early
Young plant, typical range
Typically $20–32 for a young plant at US nurseries — checked October 23, 2026
Where to buy Plan its pollination partner
One of the most planted southern highbush varieties in home gardens: early, productive, tolerant of hot summers, and attractive enough — blue-green foliage, pink-tinged flowers — to sit in a front-yard bed. Pair it with O'Neal for a longer early season.
Specifications
| Type | Southern Highbush |
| USDA zones | 5–9 |
| Chill hours | ~150–300 hours below 45°F (sources vary slightly by nursery stock — confirm with your seller) |
| Harvest season | Early |
| Mature size | 4–6 ft tall |
| Berry | Medium-large |
| Flavor (nursery descriptions) | Sweet and bright |
| Expected yield | Mature southern highbush commonly 8–15 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 Misty:
- O'Neal — Southern Highbush, Early — long picking window, zones 5–9
- Sunshine Blue — Southern Highbush — Dwarf, Mid to late, zones 5–10
- Legacy — Southern Highbush (hardy), Mid to late, zones 5–8
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 Misty fits your yard?
Run the Variety Finder with your zone and space — it only recommends varieties whose chill hours and size actually match.