Less guesswork, better choices
Find your kind of blue.
Compare growing needs side by side, then open a profile for the regional context.
All 20 varieties. Enable JavaScript to choose a pair.
| Growing detail | DukeNorthern highbush | BluecropNorthern highbush | ChandlerNorthern highbush | LegacyNorthern / southern hybrid | Sunshine BlueSouthern highbush | PatriotNorthern highbush | BluerayNorthern highbush | JerseyNorthern highbush | ElliottNorthern highbush | NorthlandHighbush / lowbush hybrid | NorthblueHalf-high | NorthcountryHalf-high | Top HatDwarf blueberry | MistySouthern highbush | O’NealSouthern highbush | JubileeSouthern highbush | TifblueRabbiteye | Pink LemonadeRabbiteye / highbush hybrid | RubelNorthern highbush | BluegoldNorthern highbush |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blueberry type | Northern highbushSource ↗ | Northern highbushSource ↗ | Northern highbushSource ↗ | Northern / southern hybridSource ↗ | Southern highbushSource ↗ | Northern highbushSource ↗ | Northern highbushSource ↗ | Northern highbushSource ↗ | Northern highbushSource ↗ | Highbush / lowbush hybridSource ↗ | Half-highSource ↗ | Half-highSource ↗ | Dwarf blueberrySource ↗ | Southern highbushSource ↗ | Southern highbushSource ↗ | Southern highbushSource ↗ | RabbiteyeSource ↗ | Rabbiteye / highbush hybridSource ↗ | Northern highbushSource ↗ | Northern highbushSource ↗ |
| USDA zones | 4-7 (supplier range)Source ↗ | 4-8 (supplier range)Source ↗ | 4-8 (supplier range)Source ↗ | 5-8 (supplier range)Source ↗ | 5-10 (supplier range)Source ↗ | 3-7 (supplier range)Source ↗ | 3-8 (supplier range)Source ↗ | 4-7 (supplier range)Source ↗ | 4-8 (supplier range)Source ↗ | 3-7 (supplier range)Source ↗ | 3-8 (supplier range)Source ↗ | 3-8 (supplier range)Source ↗ | 3-8 (supplier range)Source ↗ | 5-10 (supplier range)Source ↗ | 5-9 (supplier range)Source ↗ | 5-9 (supplier range)Source ↗ | 7-9 (supplier range)Source ↗ | 4-8 (supplier range)Source ↗ | 4-8 (supplier range)Source ↗ | 4-8 (supplier range)Source ↗ |
| Mature height | 4-6 ftSource ↗ | 4-6 ftSource ↗ | 4-5 ftSource ↗ | 4-6 ftSource ↗ | 3-4 ftSource ↗ | 3-5 ftSource ↗ | 4-6 ftSource ↗ | 6-7 ftSource ↗ | 4-6 ftSource ↗ | Up to 4 ftSource ↗ | 24-36 in (breeder)Source ↗ | 18-24 in (breeder)Source ↗ | 1-2 ftSource ↗ | 6-8 ftSource ↗ | 4-6 ftSource ↗ | 4-6 ftSource ↗ | Not verifiedSource ↗ | 4-5 ftSource ↗ | 5-7 ftSource ↗ | 4-6 ftSource ↗ |
| Mature spread | 4-6 ftSource ↗ | 3-4 ftSource ↗ | 4-5 ftSource ↗ | Not verifiedSource ↗ | 3-4 ftSource ↗ | 3-4 ftSource ↗ | 3-4 ftSource ↗ | 5-6 ftSource ↗ | 4-5 ftSource ↗ | About 4 ftSource ↗ | 30-40 in (breeder)Source ↗ | 24-36 in (breeder)Source ↗ | 1-2 ftSource ↗ | 4-5 ftSource ↗ | 4-6 ftSource ↗ | 4-6 ftSource ↗ | Not verifiedSource ↗ | 4-5 ftSource ↗ | 4-6 ftSource ↗ | Not verifiedSource ↗ |
| Winter chill | 800-1,000 hours (supplier estimate)Source ↗ | 800-1,000 hours (supplier estimate)Source ↗ | 800-1,000 hours (supplier estimate)Source ↗ | 800-1,000 hours (supplier estimate)Source ↗ | 150-300 hours (supplier estimate)Source ↗ | 800-1,000 hours (supplier estimate)Source ↗ | 800-1,000 hours (supplier estimate)Source ↗ | 800-1,000 hours (supplier estimate)Source ↗ | 800-1,000 hours (supplier estimate)Source ↗ | 800-1,000 hours (supplier estimate)Source ↗ | 1,000-1,200 hours (supplier estimate)Source ↗ | 1,000-1,200 hours (supplier estimate)Source ↗ | 1,000-1,200 hours (supplier estimate)Source ↗ | 300 hours (supplier estimate)Source ↗ | 500-600 hours (supplier estimate)Source ↗ | 400-500 hours (supplier estimate)Source ↗ | 550-600 hours (supplier estimate)Source ↗ | Not verified (supplier estimate)Source ↗ | 800-1,000 hours (supplier estimate)Source ↗ | 800-1,000 hours (supplier estimate)Source ↗ |
| Harvest timing | EarlySource ↗ | MidseasonSource ↗ | Mid-to-lateSource ↗ | LateSource ↗ | Summer; June-July listedSource ↗ | EarlySource ↗ | July listedSource ↗ | August listedSource ↗ | LateSource ↗ | EarlySource ↗ | MidseasonSource ↗ | Late June-early July listedSource ↗ | July-August listedSource ↗ | EarlySource ↗ | June listedSource ↗ | June listedSource ↗ | Mid-June-late July listedSource ↗ | Late July-early August listedSource ↗ | Late July listedSource ↗ | MidseasonSource ↗ |
| Berry size | LargeSource ↗ | LargeSource ↗ | Extra largeSource ↗ | MediumSource ↗ | MediumSource ↗ | LargeSource ↗ | Extra largeSource ↗ | Medium-largeSource ↗ | Medium-largeSource ↗ | MediumSource ↗ | Medium-largeSource ↗ | Small-mediumSource ↗ | MediumSource ↗ | Medium-largeSource ↗ | LargeSource ↗ | MediumSource ↗ | LargeSource ↗ | Medium; pink when ripeSource ↗ | SmallSource ↗ | Medium-largeSource ↗ |
| Flavor description | Sweet-tartSource ↗ | Mild, sweetSource ↗ | SweetSource ↗ | Flavorful; no sweetness scoreSource ↗ | Sweet-tangySource ↗ | Mild, sweetSource ↗ | SweetSource ↗ | SweetSource ↗ | SweetSource ↗ | SweetSource ↗ | Tart (breeder)Source ↗ | Wild-blueberry flavor (breeder)Source ↗ | SweetSource ↗ | SweetSource ↗ | SweetSource ↗ | Not verifiedSource ↗ | TartSource ↗ | SweetSource ↗ | SweetSource ↗ | Sweet (supplier description)Source ↗ |
| Container support | Not verified in this guideSource ↗ | Not verified in this guideSource ↗ | Not verified in this guideSource ↗ | Not verified in this guideSource ↗ | Yes, supplier-supportedSource ↗ | Not verified in this guideSource ↗ | Not verified in this guideSource ↗ | Not verified in this guideSource ↗ | Not verified in this guideSource ↗ | Yes, supplier-supportedSource ↗ | Yes, supplier-supportedSource ↗ | Yes, supplier-supportedSource ↗ | Yes, supplier-supportedSource ↗ | Not verified in this guideSource ↗ | Not verified in this guideSource ↗ | Yes, supplier-supportedSource ↗ | Not verified in this guideSource ↗ | Not verified in this guideSource ↗ | Not verified in this guideSource ↗ | Not verified in this guideSource ↗ |
| Pollination | Self-fertile; a compatible second variety can improve the crop.Source ↗ | Self-fertile; a compatible second variety can improve the crop.Source ↗ | Self-fertile; a compatible second variety can improve the crop.Source ↗ | Partially self-fertile according to Raintree; plan a compatible pollenizer.Source ↗ | Self-fertile according to the supplier; ask about a locally suitable pollenizer.Source ↗ | Self-fertile according to the supplier; a compatible second cultivar can improve cropping.Source ↗ | Self-fertile according to the supplier; a compatible second cultivar can improve cropping.Source ↗ | Self-fertile according to the supplier; a compatible second cultivar can improve cropping.Source ↗ | Self-fertile according to the supplier; a compatible second cultivar can improve cropping.Source ↗ | Self-fertile according to the supplier; a compatible second cultivar can improve cropping.Source ↗ | Self-fertile according to the supplier; a compatible second cultivar can improve cropping.Source ↗ | Self-fertile according to the supplier; a compatible second cultivar can improve cropping.Source ↗ | Self-fertile according to the supplier; a compatible second cultivar can improve cropping.Source ↗ | Self-fertile according to the supplier; a compatible second cultivar can improve cropping.Source ↗ | Self-fertile according to the supplier; a compatible second cultivar can improve cropping.Source ↗ | Self-fertile according to the supplier; a compatible second cultivar can improve cropping.Source ↗ | Requires a compatible second variety; the supplier names Climax.Source ↗ | USDA breeder recommends a different rabbiteye cultivar for cross-pollination; retailer calls it self-fertile.Source ↗ | Self-fertile according to the supplier; a compatible second cultivar can improve cropping.Source ↗ | Partially self-fertile according to Raintree; plan a compatible pollenizer.Source ↗ |
Duke: keep in mind
Relative order in OSU’s Pacific Northwest guide. Actual dates vary by location and year.
OSU flags sensitivity to root rot and poor soil conditions. Drainage deserves particular attention with Duke. Source ↗
Read the Duke profile ↗Bluecrop: keep in mind
Relative order in OSU’s Pacific Northwest guide. Actual dates vary by location and year.
OSU warns that heavy cropping or picking too soon can leave fruit tart. Pruning and ripeness matter. Source ↗
Read the Bluecrop profile ↗Chandler: keep in mind
Stark Bro’s describes a mid-to-late season. This is relative timing, not a local harvest forecast.
OSU reports extended ripening and notes that berry size can vary under a heavy crop load. Source ↗
Read the Chandler profile ↗Legacy: keep in mind
Raintree lists late ripening; local timing may differ. OSU describes a long fruiting season.
OSU advises against Legacy in particularly cold eastern Pacific Northwest sites. A broad nursery zone range needs local context. Source ↗
Read the Legacy profile ↗Sunshine Blue: keep in mind
Stark Bro’s lists June-July without specifying a region. Do not compare those dates directly with Oregon harvest dates.
OSU does not recommend southern highbush blueberries for Pacific Northwest gardens because of flowering and frost concerns. Source ↗
Read the Sunshine Blue profile ↗Patriot: keep in mind
Supplier timing, not a local forecast. Calendar dates and relative seasons should only be compared within the same growing region.
The supplier reports root-rot resistance, but also specifies well-drained soil. Resistance is not a reason to plant in standing water. Source ↗
Read the Patriot profile ↗Blueray: keep in mind
Supplier timing, not a local forecast. Calendar dates and relative seasons should only be compared within the same growing region.
Stark describes firm fruit and a 3-4 foot mature spread. Allow working room around the bush as well as space for its canopy. Source ↗
Read the Blueray profile ↗Jersey: keep in mind
Supplier timing, not a local forecast. Calendar dates and relative seasons should only be compared within the same growing region.
The 6-7 foot listed height makes harvesting access an important part of siting. A small nursery pot does not represent mature size. Source ↗
Read the Jersey profile ↗Elliott: keep in mind
Supplier timing, not a local forecast. Calendar dates and relative seasons should only be compared within the same growing region.
The supplier lists late bloom and August picking. Neither establishes the exact flowering window in your garden. Source ↗
Read the Elliott profile ↗Northland: keep in mind
Supplier timing, not a local forecast. Calendar dates and relative seasons should only be compared within the same growing region.
The supplier describes a heavy crop and a roughly four-foot shrub. Small stature does not remove the need for pruning or a substantial pot. Source ↗
Read the Northland profile ↗Northblue: keep in mind
Supplier timing, not a local forecast. Calendar dates and relative seasons should only be compared within the same growing region.
Stark names Northcountry as a companion that can improve yields. Confirm both varieties flower together in your location. Source ↗
Read the Northblue profile ↗Northcountry: keep in mind
Supplier timing, not a local forecast. Calendar dates and relative seasons should only be compared within the same growing region.
This is a high-chill plant despite its small size. A patio in a warm-winter location is not automatically a suitable home. Source ↗
Read the Northcountry profile ↗Top Hat: keep in mind
Supplier timing, not a local forecast. Calendar dates and relative seasons should only be compared within the same growing region.
Its high listed chill requirement is the key counterpoint to its patio-friendly size. Do not substitute it for a low-chill variety without local advice. Source ↗
Read the Top Hat profile ↗Misty: keep in mind
Supplier timing, not a local forecast. Calendar dates and relative seasons should only be compared within the same growing region.
The supplier lists early bloom as well as a low chill requirement. Ask locally about spring frost exposure, not only winter hardiness. Source ↗
Read the Misty profile ↗O’Neal: keep in mind
Supplier timing, not a local forecast. Calendar dates and relative seasons should only be compared within the same growing region.
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. Source ↗
Read the O’Neal profile ↗Jubilee: keep in mind
Supplier timing, not a local forecast. Calendar dates and relative seasons should only be compared within the same growing region.
Although the supplier supports container growing, the listed mature spread is 4-6 feet. Budget more space than for a dwarf patio plant. Source ↗
Read the Jubilee profile ↗Tifblue: keep in mind
Supplier timing, not a local forecast. Calendar dates and relative seasons should only be compared within the same growing region.
The checked listing names Climax as a pollenizer. That listing is discontinued, so use regional nursery advice to find an available compatible partner. Source ↗
Read the Tifblue profile ↗Pink Lemonade: keep in mind
Supplier timing, not a local forecast. Calendar dates and relative seasons should only be compared within the same growing region.
The USDA breeder release records irregular crops after late spring frosts in New Jersey and recommends a rabbiteye companion. Confirm local suitability and overlapping bloom. Source ↗
Read the Pink Lemonade profile ↗Rubel: keep in mind
Supplier timing, not a local forecast. Calendar dates and relative seasons should only be compared within the same growing region.
The supplier lists small berries but a 5-7 foot mature height. Do not treat a small-fruited cultivar as a space-saving plant. Source ↗
Read the Rubel profile ↗Bluegold: keep in mind
Supplier timing, not a local forecast. Calendar dates and relative seasons should only be compared within the same growing region.
A concentrated crop may suit planned preserving sessions, while a long ripening window may suit grazing. This is a workload preference, not a quality ranking. Source ↗
Read the Bluegold profile ↗Supplier ranges and descriptions are not head-to-head trial results. “Not verified” means we have not sourced that claim. Harvest timing does not establish bloom overlap or pollenizer compatibility.