Best Blueberry Varieties for Arkansas

Northern Arkansas

Northern highbush varieties thrive in cooler climates and are ideal for the state’s northern counties. Northern highbush require higher chilling hours (700–1,000+), making them suited to cooler climates (Zones 4–7). Bloom later in spring, slightly reducing frost risk.

Frost Tolerance: Flower buds and blooms of northern highbush varieties withstand colder temperatures better than rabbiteye. Northern varieties show greater frost resistance during bud development

Heat and Drought Tolerance: Northern highbush varieties struggle in prolonged heat and require consistent moisture. Prefer mild summers and well-irrigated soils.

Soil Flexibility: Northern highbush varieties demand strictly acidic soil (pH 4.0–5.2) and high organic matter. Less forgiving of suboptimal conditions.

Disease Resistance:  Northern highbush varieties are more prone to diseases like stem blight and root rot, requiring careful management.

Lifespan and Vigor: Northern highbush varieties have a shorter lifespan in hot climates, typically 6–12 ft tall, requiring rejuvenation pruning.

Key cultivars include:

• Bluecrop: High-yielding with excellent flavor, midseason harvest.
• Duke: Early-season berries, blooms late to avoid frost, suited for zones 4–7.
• Blueray: Large, flavorful fruit; vigorous growth.
• Elliot: Late harvest, small fruit; productive but requires careful timing.

Southern Arkansas

Southern highbush and rabbiteye varieties dominate here due to heat tolerance. Rabbiteye varieties require lower chilling needs (300–600 hours), thrive in warmer climates (Zones 7–9). Bloom earlier, increasing susceptibility to late spring frosts.

Frost Tolerance: Southern highbush/rabbiteye varieties are more vulnerable to frost damage during early blooms, though cultivars like ‘Southland’ exhibit slightly better tolerance.

Heat and Drought Tolerance:  Rabbiteye varieties excel in hot, dry conditions (e.g., Southern U.S.). Tolerate drought and higher temperatures better than highbush.

Soil Flexibility: Rabbiteye varieties tolerate wider pH ranges (up to ~5.5) and less-perfect drainage, making them more adaptable to marginal soils.

Disease Resistance: Rabbiteye varieties are naturally disease-resistant, particularly to anthracnose and Phomopsis, reducing maintenance needs.

Lifespan and  Vigor: Rabbiteye are longer-lived (20+ years) with vigorous growth (up to 20 ft unpruned).

Key cultivars include:

• Southern highbush:
  • Legacy: Vigorous growth, early harvest, superior flavor25.
  • Ozarkblue: Late bud break, midseason harvest, adapted to rabbiteye areas25.
  • Summit: Large berries, midseason harvest, cooperative release with NC State25.
• Rabbiteye:
  • Premier: Early ripening, large fruit, vigorous2510.
  • Climax: Early harvest, medium fruit; frost-sensitive25.
  • Brightwell: Consistent yields, long harvest window25.

Transitional Areas (Central Arkansas)

All three types can be grown, with northern highbush at higher elevations and southern highbush/rabbiteye at lower sites. Cross-pollination between varieties enhances yields.

Key Considerations for Blueberries

• Soil: Acidic (pH 4.8–5.4), well-drained, amended with peat moss and mulch.
• Irrigation: Essential for survival and productivit.
• Pest Management: Birds are the primary threat; netting is recommended.

For optimal results, select cultivars based on local climate and soil conditions, and plant multiple varieties to extend harvest periods.

Blueberry production in Arkansas: https://www.uaex.uada.edu/farm-ranch/crops-commercial-horticulture/horticulture/commercial-fruit-production/blueberry-production.aspx