Blueberry, Bluecrop p8
BLUECROP BLUEBERRY
Vaccinium corymbosum 'Bluecrop'
- Height: Typically 4–6 feet tall in Michigan’s cooler regions
- Spread: About 4–6 feet wide
- Spacing: Plant 4–6 feet apart for abundant fruit production and healthy growth
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Native
- Deciduous
- Pollination: Self-fertile; however, planting a different blueberry variety that blooms at a similar time can increase overall yield and fruit size
Description
Bluecrop Blueberry develops into a beautiful, upright shrub featuring delicate white blossoms in late spring, followed by medium-to-large berries. The fruit presents a sweet flavor with a pleasant tang, ideal for fresh snacking, baking, preserves, or smoothies. As the season transitions, the foliage shifts to a vivid red, bringing an uplifting autumn accent to the landscape. While this variety does well on its own, adding another compatible blueberry cultivar encourages more plentiful harvests. Bluecrop adapts readily to Michigan’s conditions and can also thrive in containers, provided it has sufficient space and acidic potting mix.
General Care
- Sunlight: Requires full sun—at least 6 hours of direct light daily—for optimal fruit production.
- Soil: Thrives in acidic, well-drained soil; incorporating peat moss or other organic matter supports proper pH and moisture levels.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during berry development; a layer of mulch helps retain moisture.
- Mulching: A 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch aids in moisture conservation and soil temperature regulation. Maintain a small gap around the stems for airflow.
- Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead wood and encourage vigorous new growth, leading to more robust harvests.
Bluecrop Blueberry adds a sweet and uplifting presence to Michigan landscapes, offering delicious, versatile fruit alongside picturesque seasonal color. Plant alongside another late-spring-blooming variety for even higher yields and an extended picking season.
