Blueberry cravings don’t follow a calendar. Luckily, thanks to growers in North and South America, you can enjoy blueberries in all their forms all year long.
Blueberries are native to North America and thrive in climates with warm days and cool nights. These days, thanks to growers in both hemispheres, fresh blueberries are available year-round—April to September from North America, and November to March from South America.
In the U.S., Highbush blueberries grow in at least 26 states across the country. However, most of the total domestic production comes from Washington, Oregon, California, Michigan, Georgia, North Carolina, New Jersey and Florida.
In Canada, British Columbia is the primary producing region for blueberries. South of the U.S., Peru is the largest producing country, followed by Mexico, Chile and others. These farmers play a crucial role in keeping fresh blueberries on grocery store shelves throughout the year, especially during our winter months.
From spring’s white blossoms to summer’s green canopy dotted with ripening berries, and the fiery reds of fall dormancy, a blueberry bush offers beauty in every season. Each stage tells the story of how these little berries come to life.
Blueberries thrive with the right start. Growers choose a sunny, well-draining spot, free of competing trees, and spend six months to a year preparing the soil so it’s rich and slightly acidic. Planting multiple varieties encourages pollination and extends harvests. Bushes are spaced to allow airflow, and mulch helps lock in moisture and maintain acidity.
Young plants grow fast. They reach most of their mature size in the first year, though fruit takes time. Early care is all about building strong roots and branches, so growers pinch off blooms and control weeds to set the stage for decades of productivity.
Each spring, new growth produces leaves and flower buds. Proper water and fertilizer are key, too much of either can hurt fruit quality. Because blueberries love acidic soil, the right balance is essential for healthy plants and good harvests.
When warmer days arrive, bushes bloom with clusters of white flowers. Pollination begins, often helped by bees and other pollinators. Some growers even plant native flowers nearby or add beehives to boost yields
Blueberries ripen in stages, shifting from green to red to that classic silvery-blue. Ripe ones slip easily off the stem with a gentle touch. Daily picking ensures the best harvest. Birds love blueberries, so growers often add reflective streamers among the bushes to help deter them.
After harvest, blueberry bushes prepare for winter dormancy. When leaves drop, growers prune old or crowded branches, helping sunlight reach the center of the plant and encouraging fresh growth next season. With the right care, a blueberry bush can thrive and produce fruit for decades.
