How Long Does it Take for Blueberry Bushes to Fruit?

Fruiting and Bush Maturity

• Blueberry bushes take about three years after they have established themselves to begin producing fruit. For full maturity and the best, most plentiful berries, growers must wait about six years.

Seasonal Production

• Different varieties of blueberry bushes take different lengths of time during the growing season to produce berries, the precise dates of which depend on geographical area. For instance, the Bluetta blueberry bush produces medium-sized, fair quality fruit early in the growing season; the Bluejay variety produces large, good quality fruit during midseason; and the Herbert blueberry bush produces large, excellent quality fruit late in the growing season.

Potential Problems

• Several factors can affect the success of a blueberry fruiting season. Many species of birds love blueberries, so finding ways to distract them is always a consideration. These bushes are prone to certain insect problems, like the blueberry tip borer and the cherry fruitworm, as well as some diseases, like mummy berry and powdery mildew.