Harvesting Blueberry Plants

Are you ready to enjoy delicious homegrown fruit? Harvest is the time to enjoy the results of your hard work. Keep a few things in consideration as you reap the fruits of your labor: the best time to pick the fruit, and how to store your harvest.

NOTE: This is part 11 in a series of 11 articles. For a complete background on how to grow blueberry plants, we recommend starting from the beginning.

When to Harvest

You can start harvesting your berries in the second season. The berry color should be blue or pink depending on the variety. Just because they are blue or pink does not mean they are ripe, they need about 7-10 days to develop fully. Put your picking container underneath a bunch of blueberries and gentle run your hand over the cluster and the ripe berries will fall off. During the ripening season check every day for ripe berries.

Storage

Blueberries will keep up to a week in your refrigerator. If not able to use right away put berries on a cookie sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm and then put them in freezer bags to enjoy all year long.

Annual average yield per plant:

  • Self-pollinating, 1½ quart
  • With another variety for additional pollination, 3-4 quarts

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Tools & Supplies for Blueberry Plants