What is a Half-High Blueberry
Half-high blueberry plants are a cross between the big-berry producing highbush varieties and the cold-tolerant wild lowbush species. Hardy in USDA zones 3-5, half-high blueberry bushes are less likely to suffer from winter damage than highbush plants. In zone 3, where highbush plants won’t survive, cultivating half-high blueberry varieties gives growers an alternative to the small wild berries of the lowbush species. As the name suggests, the hybrid half-high blueberry matures at an intermediate height of 2 to 4 feet (.6 to 1.2 m.). The compact size makes half-high blueberry bushes easy to maintain and keeps the fruit within reach for easy harvesting. Half-high blueberry plants require the same care and cultivation as other types of blueberries. They need an acidic soil with an optimal pH of 4.5 to 5. Plant blueberries in a well-drained site or use raised beds to prevent soggy conditions. Avoid hoeing, as hybrid half-high blueberry roots are shallow and near the soil surface. Instead, mulch to prevent weeds and retain moisture during dry spells.
Half-High Blueberry Varieties
When choosing half-high blueberry varieties, consider characteristics such as harvest time, projected yields, and fruit quality. Like other species of blueberries, many half-high blueberry bushes are self-pollinating but will produce larger yields when cross-pollinated with varieties which have overlapping bloom times. Consider these popular half-high blueberry varieties:
Chippewa: Mid-season variety. Produces moderate yields of medium to large flavorful blueberries.Northblue: Early to mid-season variety. Produces low to moderate yields of large, dark blue berries. Mummyberry resistant.Northcountry: Early mid-season variety. Produces low yields of small, exceptionally sweet blueberries. Northcountry berries are less firm than other varieties. Northland: Early mid-season variety. Produces high yields of medium to large blueberries. Northland berries have a mild flavor and soft texture. Susceptible to mummyberry. Northsky: Mid-season variety. Produces low yields of medium-sized, sweet berries with a mild flavor. Excellent for processing. Mummyberry resistant.Polaris: Early season variety. Produces medium-large, firm blueberries with excellent flavor. Moderate yields. Well-suited for container growing.St. Cloud: Early season variety with moderate yields. Produces medium-sized, dark blue berries with a sweet flavor. St. Cloud blueberries have a firm texture and stores well.
