Southern highbush / Cultivar notes

O’Nealblueberry

A southern highbush with a lower chill estimate than the northern standards, but a higher one than Misty.

Zones 5-94-6 ftJune listed

Independent research reviewed September 6, 2026.
Nursery specifications checked September 5. Not a firsthand growing trial.

Blueberry reference photograph; the cultivar is not identified. Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova · CC BY-SA 3.0

The decision, in brief

Large fruit for milder winters.

Compare with Jubilee for similar mature dimensions but different listed chill requirements.

Our interpretation of the cited specifications. Start with local suitability.

At a glance

Blueberry typeSource ↗: Southern highbush
USDA zonesSource ↗: 5-9 (supplier range)
Mature heightSource ↗: 4-6 ft
Mature spreadSource ↗: 4-6 ft
Winter chillSource ↗: 500-600 hours (supplier estimate)
Harvest timingSource ↗: June listed
Berry sizeSource ↗: Large
Flavor descriptionSource ↗: Sweet
Container supportSource ↗: Not verified in this guide
PollinationSource ↗: Self-fertile according to the supplier; a compatible second cultivar can improve cropping.

Read the growing context.

Supplier timing, not a local forecast. Calendar dates and relative seasons should only be compared within the same growing region. Timing source ↗

The supplier calls for winter mulch in colder parts of its listed range. A southern label does not mean every warm location supplies enough chill. Read the source ↗

Check local extension advice as well as the supplier’s range before you plant. The same variety can perform differently across regions.

What the research adds.

Where sources differ

The chill estimates disagree

UC’s Santa Clara account gives 200-300 chill hours for O’Neal; the checked Stark listing gives 500-600. Read the evidence ↗

Estimated winter chill: Regional growing observations ↗200-300 hours
Nursery specification ↗500-600 hours

For your decision. These are not interchangeable thresholds. Resolve the discrepancy with local growing evidence before buying for a marginal-chill site.

Santa Clara County, California. Local observations, not a national performance or chill guarantee.

Independent evidence reviewed September 6, 2026.

Compare O’Neal & Jubilee

Before you order O’Neal.

Check the listed 5–9 zone range against local guidance, winter chill and spring frost conditions.
Measure the mature footprint: 4-6 ft tall, 4-6 ft wide. Ask the nursery to fill any unverified size information.
Resolve a locally supported pollination plan; a comparison is not a pairing guarantee.
Confirm the plant size being shipped, delivery restrictions and the nursery’s replacement terms.

Check the details