Summer is fast approaching and the warmer weather will bring about all types of special treats. One of this writer’s favorites are the blueberries that can be found in the backyard. Whether you are a backyard gardener or a buyer from your local store or farmer’s market fresh berries offer a special treat. One favorite summer treat is that of blueberries, but many people do not know that there are unique blueberries types available.
One unique type of blueberry is not blue when ripe. The Pink Lemonade blueberry is ripe and ready to enjoy when it is round and pink. These pink lemonade berries are both pretty and tasty. The plant bears firm, glossy, medium sized berries with a mild flavor. These plants resulted from crossing two parent plants. The pink lemonade variety of blueberry can be grown in areas closest to zone 6 on the agricultural scale, where the weather never gets colder than zero degrees Fahrenheit.
Unique Blueberry Types
Another blueberry type that deserves recognition and tasting it the Razz. The Razz blueberry tastes a bit like a raspberry. The Razz is actually a rediscovered type of blueberry. It was first bred in 1934 by the USDA, but was considered unsuitable for large scale growth. Unfortunately, the berry was too soft to ship or store. Additionally, it was just too different for the time period, but now it is making a comeback. Medium to large berries are typical with a mid-season ripening. They grow well in backyards or small pick your own farms in areas like New Jersey.
A third type of blueberry is that of the Sweetheart. The Sweetheart blooms at the beginning and end of the growing season for lots of berries. These firm, delectable berries are medium to large and bloom mid-June. If the autumn is mild the bushes can re-bloom and re-fruit. The Sweetheart is said to have a superior flavor that lasts even in storage. According to the USDA, these plants grow best in Zone 5 on the hardiness scale.
A final blueberry that deserves recognition is that of Cara’s Choice. Cara’s Choice not only offers a good flavor, but a pleasant aroma that adds to the experience. The yields are moderate on this plant, but the berries are delicious. The berries can even stay on the bush for weeks and remain firm and tasty.
With all these unique blueberry types who can resist trying to grow blueberries in their backyard. Which will be your favorite?
