How2Day: Blueberry Plants for Northern Minnesota

Most of northern Minnesota is in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 3, with some northern areas in zones 2 and 4. Fortunately, many plants grow well in most of northern Minnesota, withstanding its harsh winters. Blueberry plants, however, produce fewer berries than in warmer zones, and typically take 8 to 10 years to reach maturity. The University of Minnesota Extension recommends planting more than one variety, because cross-pollination produces a more plentiful crop.

The Chippewa variety in one that the University of Minnesota Extension recommends as growing well in zones 3 to 5. Each plant has the potential produce 3 to 8 pounds of berries. Expect the bush to reach a height of 30 to 40 inches, with a spread of 30 to 60 inches at maturity. Berries are light-blue, medium size, have a sweet flavor and are typically eaten fresh.

The Northblue variety produces large, dark-blue berries in zones 3 to 5. They make excellent fruits fresh off the bush or in jams, jellies and pies. Each plant can grow 24 to 36 inches tall and 30 to 40 inches wide, and usually produces 3 to 9 pounds of berries. The Northblue variety does not need a second cultivator to produce larger berries.

The Northsky variety is a smaller bush for the smaller home garden, reaching a mature size of about 12 to 18 inches tall and 24 to 36 inches wide. Each plant, however, usually produces only 1 to 3 pounds of berries. Berries are medium-size, with a sweet, but mild, flavor; eat them fresh as well as in jams and pies. Northsky grows in zones 3 to 5.

The St. Cloud variety can produce 2 to 7 pounds of berries per bush and grows well in zones 3 to 5. Berries are medium-size, firm, crisp and have a sweet flavor. It is one of the larger blueberry bushes for Minnesota, growing 30 to 48 feet tall and 30 to 40 inches wide. Berries from this variety store longer than most other berries.

Northland blueberries grow in zones 3 to 5 and can produce up to 12 pounds per plant under ideal conditions. It can reach a width of 30 to 50 inches tall and 40 to 60 inches tall. The medium-sized berries have a mild flavor.

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