Blueray Blueberry
Vaccinium corymbosum 'Blueray' | 1L Pot
IMPORTANT PICKUP INFORMATION
THIS ITEM IS ONLY AVAILABLE FOR PICKUP ON APRIL 25, 2026, FROM 9:30 AM TO 12:30 PM AT GREENVALE VINEYARDS, PORTSMOUTH, RHODE ISLAND.
There is no delivery option for your seedling pre-order. You must pick up your plant yourself on the seedling sale date. Any seedlings not picked up will be considered a donation to ERICD's educational farm program.
What You'll Receive:
One (1) Blueray Blueberry in a 1-liter pot - a healthy, well-rooted plant ready to produce extra-large, extra-sweet berries for years to come.
The berry connoisseur's choice! Introduced in 1941, Blueray has stood the test of time as one of the most flavorful blueberries ever developed. This exceptional variety produces extra-large berries with outstanding sweet flavor that surpasses many modern introductions. The crack-resistant fruit holds well on the bush, making harvest easy and reducing losses. Blueray's cold hardiness and heat tolerance make it ideal for New England's climate extremes. As a bonus, it's an excellent pollinator for other varieties—plant it with Bluecrop for the ultimate harvest!
Outstanding Features:
Extra-Large, Extra-Sweet: Berries are notably larger than average (0.7+ inches) with exceptional sweetness and rich blueberry flavor. Many consider this the best-tasting variety!
Crack Resistant: Fruit resists cracking from rain and doesn't drop easily—berries hold well on the bush for extended harvest window.
Climate Adaptability: Thrives in hot summers AND cold winters. One of the most adaptable varieties for variable New England weather.
Perfect Pollinator: Excellent pollen producer—when planted with Bluecrop or other varieties, dramatically increases yields and berry size for ALL plants!
Ornamental Value: Beautiful pink-tinged white flowers in spring, lush green summer foliage, and spectacular scarlet-red fall color.
Plant Specifications:
Mature Size: 4-6 feet tall, 4-5 feet wide (upright, vigorous habit) Light: Full sun (8+ hours ideal, minimum 6 hours for good production) Soil pH: 4.5-4.8 (acidic) — CRITICAL for success!
Pollination: Self-fertile but an excellent pollinator for other varieties. Plant with Bluecrop for maximum yields!
Harvest: Mid-season (July in New England)
Hardiness: Zones 4-7 (excellent for Rhode Island and Massachusetts)
Growing Instructions:
FIRST YEAR CARE - CRITICAL: Remove ALL flower buds the first year by pinching them off in spring. This sacrifice allows the plant to develop a strong root system instead of putting energy into fruit. You'll be rewarded with much larger, healthier plants and heavier crops in years to come!
Spacing: Plant 4-5 feet apart in rows, with 10-12 feet between rows for comfortable picking and good air circulation.
Soil Preparation: Blueberries absolutely REQUIRE acidic soil (pH 4.5-4.8) to absorb nutrients. Many New England soils are naturally acidic, but always test! If pH is above 5.5, amend with elemental sulfur before planting. For heavy clay soils common in parts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts, create raised beds or mounds 8-12 inches high with acidic planting mix.
Planting: Dig holes twice the width of the root ball. Mix native soil 50/50 with peat moss or acidic compost. Plant at the same depth as in the container—never bury the crown. Water thoroughly and apply 2-4 inches of acidic mulch (pine bark chunks or pine needles) keeping mulch 2-3 inches away from the stem.
Watering: Blueberries have shallow, fibrous root systems requiring consistent moisture. Water deeply 1-2 times weekly during dry weather, especially during flowering and fruit development. Drip irrigation is ideal. Soil should stay moist but not saturated.
Fertilizing: In early spring (late March/early April), apply acidic fertilizer formulated for azaleas, rhododendrons, or blueberries. Follow package rates carefully—blueberries are sensitive to over-fertilization. Organic options like cottonseed meal work well.
The Bluecrop + Blueray Power Duo: These two varieties are perfectly matched! Both are mid-season, thrive in New England's climate, and cross-pollinate beautifully. Planting them together results in larger berries, heavier yields (up to 30% more!), and more consistent production. Plant them 4-10 feet apart for optimal pollination.
Pest Protection: Net bushes before berries ripen if birds are problematic. Blueray's crack resistance helps reduce issues with spotted wing drosophila (a common pest).
Harvesting: Berries are ripe 4-7 days after turning blue—wait for full sweetness! Ripe berries come off easily with a gentle tug. Harvest every 5-7 days throughout the season.