Blueberry help, please???

[skeeter9]

I never dreamed blueberries could be grown in our area, but after reading several posts on here I started checking, and apparently there are quite a few varieties that should do fine here. I'm a little confused on which would do well with our particular conditions, though. Our summer temps (May - October) run in the mid 90's to mid 100's (sometimes hotter), we get lots of frost during the winter and our frosts often come late (late April). Anyone have any suggestions on varities? Also, blueberries are supposed to be full sun, but so are tomatoes and here we have to give them some shade in the afternoons because of the heat. Would I have to do the same for blueberries?

Thanks!!

 

[Northernrose]

There are many varieties that will grow in "hot" climates like CA. There is a commercial blueberry farm across the road from my mother's house in Zone 8 and they grow Duke as a main crop. Southern High bush types usually do very well here and are recomended the most.

I live near Redding CA in zone 7 or 8 ish with HOT summer heat. I grow mine in 1/2 wine barrels so that I can control the soil pH better as Blueberries like acid soil.

Here are some of the varieties I have. Some I have more than one. Most get full sun and some get a little afternoon shade. They all seem to do well. I have tons of tiny berries and the plants are still blooming their hearts out

Misty
Southmoon
Reveille
Emerald
Sunshine Blue
Sharpblue
Top Hat
Duke
Legacy
Bluecrop

I have a few others, but I lost the name tags. I think I have O'neal too.

Trisha

 

[skeeter9]

Thanks for the info Trisha. I like the idea of growing them in 1/2 barrels. I think that might work well around here!