When Are Blueberries Harvested?

Time of Year

• Blueberries ripen in the late summer and early fall, usually between late July and early September. The berries grow in clusters and not all of the clusters on the same plant ripen at the same time. Rather than harvesting all the berries at once, pick the ripe ones each week. Because blueberries don't continue to ripen after harvesting, pick only those already ripened.

Appearance

• Blueberries start out green, then change to red and finally become blue. But don't pick a blueberry just because it has turned blue. A berry should be left on the bush a minimum of two days after it turns blue so the fruit can pull in more water and produce more sugars to make a tastier berry. The prime harvesting time is between two and 10 days after the berry turns blue.

Feel

• An unripe blueberry, even if already blue, will not give when gently pressed between your thumb and finger. As the berry matures and ripens it increases its water content. When ready for harvest, the berry will have a slight give when squeezed (squeeze gently, of course). If the berry feels mushy, it is overripe. Ripe blueberries also pull from the bush easily, whereas you'll have to tug to pick an unripe one.

Taste

• The best way to see if your blueberries are ready to pick is simply to taste one. Pluck one in a cluster that appears ripe and eat it. The berry should have a soft texture in your mouth and taste sweet and juicy. If the berry has a sour taste or feels tough when you chew it, the berries need to ripen longer before harvest.