Blueberries

Overview

Rabbiteye blueberries are native to Georgia and make up most of our commercial production. In 2008, Georgia ranked 4th in blueberry production by producing 41 million pounds. Georgia has more than 16 thousand acres of blueberries.

Blueberries not only taste great, but they're also a good source of vitamin C, iron and fiber. They're cholesterol-free, sodium-free and an important source of potassium. Best of all, blueberries contain only 80 calories per cup.

Blueberries contain a variety of compounds. These include antioxidants, anthocyanosides, bacterial inhibitors, folic acid, vitamins A and C, carotenoids, ellagic acid and dietary fibers. The significance of their presence and modes of action remain largely unexplored.

Research concludes that the antioxidants in blueberries help protect the body against chronic diseases associated with aging. The folic acid may help guard against cervical cancer and may benefit the fetus during pregnancy. Blueberries, like cranberries, also help prevent urinary tract infections.

Blueberries are harvested in Georgia from late May through mid-July. In Georgia blueberries are grown commercially primarily in the southern part of the state. And some are grown in the north Georgia mountains.

Under good management, blueberry bushes will produce some fruit the second or third year after transplanting. By the sixth year they will yield as much as 2 gallons each. The yield will continue to increase for several years as the plants get larger.

Publications

Commercial and Professional Publications

• Fertilizing Blueberries in Pine Bark Beds
• Economic Analysis of Producing Southern Highbush Blueberries in Soil in Georgia

General Publications

• Bacterial Leaf Scorch of Blueberry

To see other publications, go to the CAES Publications site or the FACS Publications listing.

News

For the latest news about Extension, visit Georgia FACES. News you can use about Georgia family, agricultural, consumer and enviromental sciences.

• Atlanta ice cream selected as 2012 Flavor of Georgia food contest overall winner
• Freezing temperatures may reduce backyard blueberry crops
• Weather dampens Sunbelt Expo
• It's blueberry pickin' time in Georgia
• Georgia peaches, blueberries risk spring freeze damage
• Disease threatens Georgia blueberry crop
• Blue Suede blueberry perfect for home gardens
• Drying is another option for storing fruits, vegetables
• Tasty garden treats on “Your Southern Garden” April 17
• Georgia peaches, blueberries vulnerable to spring freeze

Websites

UGA-affiliated sites

• Economics of Organic Blueberry Establishment in Georgia
  Discusses ways to promote the establishment of an organic blueberry industry in Georgia.
• Georgia Blueberry Grower Weather Information Survey
  Submit information about how blueberry growers utilize weather information for crop management decisions, and what methods you employ for crop frost protection.
• Impact Statements: Blueberries
  Descriptions of Extension efforts to improve knowledge and practices related to blueberries.
• Organic Blueberry Program in Georgia
  Organic solutions to fertilization, weed, insect, and disease problems in blueberry production.
• Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium: Blueberries
  Newsletters related to the production and marketing of blueberries.
• Suggestions for Organic Blueberry Production in Georgia
  Justifies organic production and helps growers switch from conventional production by explaining organic solutions to soil testing, fertilization, pest and disease control.

External sites

• Georgia Blueberry Commission
  Supports research, education and promotion programs on behalf of the state's growers.
• North American Blueberry Council
  Industry members provide industry news, supplier contacts and administers product seal program.