Blueberries can be grown in home gardens anywhere in New Zealand, if the right selections and proper soil modifications are used. As well as culinary uses the blueberry has many landscape uses including hedging and use in mixed plantings. They have delicate white or pink spring flowers, the summer fruit has an attractive sky blue colour, and the autumn foliage adds great red and yellow colours to the landscape. In addition, blueberry plants lend themselves to the organic’ approach of gardening.

The fruit of all blueberries are usually abundant, attractive, and flavourful. The fruits can be used in cooking or eaten fresh. They can also be frozen, canned, preserved as jams, or dried for use as a substitute for raisins. The fruits provide many healthful dietary factors, including vitamins, minerals, and components that may help prevent certain diseases. and for those with bad memories blueberries are now recognised as great brain food!

Southern Highbush:  Due to the risk of frost damage to blossom during the flowering time  of the Southern Highbush types, these varieties are generally not suitable for the more Southern areas of New Zealand.

POLLINATION

Most blueberries are at least partially self fertile but will produce bigger and more consistent crops if cross pollinated. Planting a combination of varieties of the same type (ie. two different Northern Highbush varieties) will ensure good cross pollination and therefore good cropping. 

Northern Highbush -Bluecrop, Bluejoy, Dixi, Nui, Puru, Reka.

Southern Highbush -Marimba, Misty, O'Neal, Petite Blue.

Rabbiteye -Centurion, Climax, Delite, Powder Blue, Tifblue.