Blueberry Blue Jay

Early variety of highbush blueberry, adapted to northern European conditions. Flowers late, so good in cold areas. Reliable producer of average crops of medium–large berries with reasonably good, slightly acid flavour, rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Pick from July; the berries ripen over several weeks, holding well on the bush. For the best flavour, pick a week after the berries have turned completely blue and are developing a white ‘bloom’; keep picking as the berries ripen. Vigorous, upright bush, good in colder areas. Must have acid soil; water with rainwater; mulch with ericaceous matter to keep soil moist. Blueberry ‘Blue Jay’ has particularly attractive yellow and orange autumn colour.

Site: Fairly sheltered
Soil: Acid (pH 4-5.5), moisture-retentive but well-drained soil; can be grown in pots in ericaceous soil-based compost
Position: Sun or partial shade
Pick: July to August
Keep: Berries do not keep, but freeze well
Hardiness: Hardy
Pollination: Self-pollinates, but crops better planted with one or two blueberries of different varieties
Uses: Eating and cooking; particularly good for freezing
Height: 3’3”-5’ (100-150cm) Spread: 3’3”-5’ (100-150cm)