The Best Blueberry Variety? Why Blueberry Bluegold Stands Out
Vaccinium corymbosum
Position
- Full sun to partial shade
- Sheltered position
- Protected from strong winds
Hardiness
- Hardy down to -29°C (-20°F)
Soil Type
- Moist soil conditions
- Well-drained structure
- Rich in organic matter
Soil PH
- Acidic soil only
- pH range 4.5-5.5
- Grab a soil test kit and ensure the perfect conditions for growth
Height
- Height: 200cm (6 feet)
- Spread: 150cm (5 feet)
Seasons of Interest
- Spring (April-May): White bell-shaped flowers
- Summer (July-August): Heavy crop of medium-sized blue berries
- Autumn: Vibrant red-orange foliage colour
Additional Notes
- Known for exceptionally high fruit yields
- Excellent pollinator for other blueberry varieties
- Berries have a firm texture and sweet flavour
- Good disease resistance
- Fruit stores well after picking
- Ideal for smaller gardens due to compact size
- Perfect for container growing in ericaceous compost
- Benefits from mulching with pine needles or bark
- Requires a partner blueberry variety for best fruit production
- Regular watering is needed, preferably with rainwater
- Annual pruning in late winter maintains shape and promotes fruiting
- Birds may need netting during the fruiting period
- Makes an attractive hedge when planted in groups
Blueberry Bluegold: A Hardy, Delicious Choice for Your Garden
Blueberries are a fantastic addition to any garden, providing delicious fruit and beautiful seasonal foliage. The Blueberry Bluegold (Vaccinium corymbosum) is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a reliable and productive variety. This highbush blueberry cultivar is known for its firm texture, rich flavour, and ease of growing. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting, this guide will help you successfully grow and care for your Blueberry Bluegold.
Why Choose Blueberry Bluegold?
Blueberry Bluegold is a beautiful variety that produces deep blue berries with a lovely, firm texture. They bloom with white flowers in spring, followed by clusters of berries ready for harvest in mid to late summer, typically between July and August. The deciduous shrub has green leaves that turn vibrant shades in autumn, adding ornamental value to your garden.
What Is the Best Location for Blueberry Bluegold?
Blueberries prefer full sun to thrive and produce fruit abundantly. A spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily will ensure all its plants grow healthy and strong. They also require well-drained, acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5.
What Type of Soil Do Blueberries Require?
Can Blueberry Bluegold Be Grown in Pots?
Yes! Blueberry Bluegold is equally at home in garden beds or as a pot-grown plant. When growing in containers, ensure the pot is at least 30cm in diameter and has good drainage. Water with rainwater whenever possible, as tap water may increase soil alkalinity, affecting the plant’s growth.
How Often Should Blueberries Be Watered?
What Is the Ideal Plant Spacing for Blueberry Bluegold?
Plant your Blueberry Bluegold with a spacing of 1.5m apart for optimal growth. This allows air circulation, reducing the chances of fungal diseases and ensuring the best fruit production.
How Big Do Blueberry Bluegold Plants Grow?
Blueberry Bluegold’s ultimate height is around 2m, and its spread is similar. This defined plant size makes it suitable for shrub borders, garden beds, and large containers.
Do Blueberry Bluegold Plants Need Pollination Partners?
Although Blueberry Bluegold is self-fertile, planting three different cultivars nearby can improve pollination and increase fruit yield. This method enhances berry quality and ensures a reliable harvest.
How Do You Prune Blueberry Bluegold Bushes?
To maintain a healthy and productive shrub, begin pruning in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove dead, weak, or overcrowded branches to encourage airflow and improve fruit production.
How Do You Protect Blueberries from Pests and Birds?
When Are Blueberry Bluegold Berries Ready for Harvest?
Blueberry Bluegold produces deep blue berries that are ready for harvest in July and August. The berries should be fully coloured, with a firm texture, and easily detach from the cluster when gently pulled.
From Darren’s Patch
Blueberry Bluegold is one of those varieties I always recommend—especially to gardeners who want something beautiful and reliable. I’ve grown it for years, and what really stands out is its balance of ornamental charm and fantastic fruit. The berries are firm, flavourful, and arrive in abundance right when summer is in full swing. I keep mine in large pots on the patio, where I can keep a close eye on watering and enjoy the changing foliage up close. It’s such a joy to see the fresh green leaves in spring, followed by blossoms, then finally those deep blue fruits. And come autumn, the fiery foliage puts on a real show. Whether new to blueberries or want to expand your collection, Bluegold is a winner—easy to grow, rewarding, and full of seasonal interest.
Key Points to Remember:
- Blueberry Bluegold is a beautiful variety of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)
- They require full sun, well-drained acidic soil, and consistent watering
- Pot-grown options are possible, provided the right conditions are met
- Regular pruning helps maintain a healthy, productive plant
- Netting can protect berries from birds and pests
- Harvest occurs in mid to late summer, with fruit production peaking in July and August
Following these expert tips, you can enjoy delicious homegrown blueberries while adding beauty to your garden!
To see the RHS article, please click here
Want to learn about other Blueberry varieties? Read about Blueberry Brigitta here
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Blueberry ‘Bluegold’ and what makes it special?
A: The ‘Bluegold’ (Vaccinium corymbosum) is a high-yielding variety prized for its sweet, sky-blue fruit. It’s a favourite among gardeners due to its reliable cropping and excellent flavour.Q: How tall and wide does Blueberry ‘Bluegold’ grow?
A: Bluegold typically reaches a height of around 2 metres (6ft) and a spread of around 1.5 metres (5ft). Its compact size makes it ideal for both home gardens and larger landscapes.Q: Do I need to plant more than one blueberry variety to get fruit?
A: Bluegold is self-fertile and can produce fruit independently, so having another variety nearby will improve pollination and increase yields.Q: Can I grow Blueberry ‘Bluegold’ in a pot?
A: Bluegold grows well in pots, perfect for patios and balconies. Use a container at least 30cm (12 inches) deep to allow the roots space to grow.Q: What does the foliage look like on Blueberry ‘Bluegold’?
A: This deciduous shrub loses its leaves in winter but first delights with beautiful white flowers in spring. Its green summer foliage provides a lush backdrop to the berries, before turning vibrant shades of yellow and orange in autumn, adding seasonal interest to your garden.