Blueberry Plant Varieties in Sacramento, California

Highbush Species

• The highbush species of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) has much more flexible growing requirements than the rabbiteye or lowbush species and is well-suited for the Sacramento region. The southern highbush and its cultivars are more tolerant of the hot, dry weather characteristic of Sacramento summers and the higher soil pH common in the area.

Best Cultivars for Sacramento

• A University of California Master Gardener trial was conducted in 2004 to determine the best varieties for northern California. Those that performed the best were "Reveille," "Misty," "Sunshine Blue," "Bluecrop," "Georgia Gem" and "O'Neal." These cultivars all produced large crops with good flavor.

Other Suitable Varieties

• Some varieties of southern highbush were not part of the Master Gardeners' trial but are listed by horticulturists at the University of California Davis as suitable for the Sacramento region. Those varieties include "Blue Ray," "Cape Fear," "Ozark Blue" and "Sharp Blue."

Growing Tips

• While southern highbush cultivars are more tolerant of the alkaline soils found in the Sacramento region, if plants aren't growing or producing well, adding an acidic fertilizer such as one formulated for azaleas can be helpful. Rake back mulch, spread fertilizer over the top of the soil, replace the mulch and water thoroughly. Don't mix the fertilizer in as blueberries are sensitive to over-fertilizing and a slow seep of fertilizer from the soil surface is better for them. At planting, adding soil sulfur at a rate of 3 to 7 lbs. per 100 square feet can also lower soil pH.