Varieties of Blueberries

Highbush

• The University of Maine says that highbush blueberry bushes belong to the same family as the cranberry plant. This plant prefers well-drained, nutrient-rich soils with a pH between 4.5 and 5.2. There are many highbush subspecies that produce varying types of blueberries, but all types have similar tastes. The main difference is size. "Bluetta" highbush plants produces medium-sized sweet fruits, and "Bluejay" produces very large fruit. Blueberry plants have shallow root systems, so it's vital that you don't oversaturate the ground when watering. Only water your plants when the soil is dry due to lack of rainfall. Highbush blueberries are medium to dark blue depending on the subspecies. The berries continue to darken as the plant ripens.

Southern Highbush blueberries

• Southern highbush blueberries very in taste, texture and color depending on which plant they came from. There are many Southern jighbush species that produce different varieties that include "Jewel," "Misty" and "Southmoon." The "Misty" Southern highbush produces sweet, bright blue fruit in the spring while the "Jewel" Southern highbush yields high amounts of tangy, deep blue fruit. The "Southmoon" Southern highbush also blooms different types of fruit. This bush produces smaller sweet fruits.

Rabbiteye

• Rabbiteye blueberries are similar in taste, texture and color when compared to other types. Some variations are seen among subspecies, though. A few different varieties of rabbiteye include "Climax," "Powderblue" and "Brightwell." These type of blueberries don't ripen at the same time, so you might notice huge variations in color. Some blueberries might be bright blue while others are much darker in color.