Potted O'Neal Blueberry in a garden setting with other plants and pots around

O'Neal Blueberry

2 Gallon
$56.00
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Potted O'Neal Blueberry in a garden setting with other plants and pots around
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O'Neal Blueberry

Vaccinium corymbosum 'O'Neal', Early Shouthern Highbush Season

Unrivaled Early Season Flavor • Intensely Sweet & Aromatic • “King of Southern Highbush”

$56.00
Size

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Often called the “King of Southern Highbush,” O‘Neal Blueberry sets the standard for early-season flavor. Its large, firm berries boast an extraordinary balance of high sweetness, low acidity, and intense aromatic complexity, making it a top choice for discerning Bay Area gardeners.

  • An exceptional early-season Southern highbush celebrated for its superb eating quality and large, dark blue berry size.

  • Flavor is legendary: incredibly sweet, low in acid, and richly aromatic with nuanced fruity notes, often ranking at the very top in taste tests.

  • Berries are firm, store well, and have a beautiful dark blue color with minimal waxy bloom.

  • A vigorous grower with a semi-upright, spreading habit that requires well-aerated, acidic soil for optimal performance.

  • Semi-evergreen foliage provides year-round interest and turns attractive shades of red in fall.

  • While highly rewarding, it can be slightly more demanding regarding soil drainage compared to some other varieties.

Flavor Profile:

  • Flavor: A perfect harmony of intense sweetness, lush aroma, and virtually no tartness. Notes of vanilla, grape, and floral hints are often detected.

  • Texture: Very firm and crisp, bursting with juice.

  • Best Uses: The ultimate gourmet fresh-eating experience. Also excellent for desserts where its flavor can shine without being cooked away.

 

Knowing how we measure the size?

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

  • A larger gallon size generally means:

    • A more established root system

    • A sturdier plant

    • Faster visual impact after planting

  • Example:

    • 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity

    • 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.


🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

  • Commonly used for:

    • Ornamental trees

    • Feature plants

    • Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.

  • Why choose Multi:

    • Fuller, more sculptural appearance

    • Strong visual presence even at younger ages

    • Popular for design-focused landscapes


🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

  • Commonly used for:

    • Shade trees

    • Street trees

    • Orchard and structural plantings

  • Why choose Stand:

    • Clean, classic tree form

    • Easier clearance for walkways and lawns

    • Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity


🌿 Choosing the Right Size

  • If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form

  • If you want long-term structure → Stand form

  • If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Quick facts
  • Features:Flowers: Pinkish-white bell-shaped blossoms (self-fertile).Fruit: Large berries with dark blue skin and minimal bloom.Foliage: Deciduous elliptical leaves.Growth Habit: Semi-open, upright shrub
  • Mature Height: 4-6 ft
  • Mature Width: 3-5 ft
  • Growth Rate: Fas
  • Light Needs: Full sun to partial shade
  • Key Advantages:Early season harvest (first among southern highbush).Exceptional sweetness with intense aroma.Firm, juicy texture.Top-rated flavor among southern varieties
  • Fruit Characteristics:Size: 15-18mm diameter.Flavor: High sugar content (14-16° Brix) with low acidity.Texture: Firm yet juicy.Uses: Premium fresh eating, desserts
  • Landscape Uses:Commercial blueberry production.Home fruit gardens.Edible ornamental plantings
  • Care Requirements:Soil: Acidic (pH 4.5-5.5), highly aerated.Pruning: Initial 50% reduction at planting, then annual dormant pruning after establishment.Frost Protection: Recommended during spring flowering.Water: Consistent moisture with excellent drainage
  • Special Notes:Considered the "Great White Shark" of blueberries for its outstanding flavor.Requires careful soil preparation for optimal growth.Benefits from pine bark mulch.Cross-pollination with other southern highbush varieties improves fruit set
FAQs
  • Q: Is O‘Neal really the best-tasting blueberry?A: Many blueberry connoisseurs and commercial growers in warm climates consider it among the absolute best for fresh flavor due to its perfect sugar-acid balance and complex aroma. Taste is subjective, but it is consistently a top contender.
  • Q: Why is soil drainage so important for O‘Neal?A: It is particularly sensitive to waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot. Planting in a raised bed or mound with ample organic matter (acidic compost, pine bark) is highly recommended in the Bay Area‘s often heavy soils.
  • Q: How early does it ripen?A: It is a very early variety, often one of the first to ripen, typically beginning in May in Zone 9a.

Browse online or get recommendations

Shop by collection, or message us with photos and measurements of your space for tailored suggestions.

Place your order & schedule delivery

Choose your trees and preferred delivery window. Most Bay Area orders are delivered within about 10 business days, depending on routing and weather.

We deliver carefully to your property

Our drivers are trained to handle living plants, not just boxes. For many trees, we can set them in place near the planting site.

Grow with our ongoing support

You’ll receive basic care guidelines, and you can always reach out if you’re unsure about watering, fertilizing, or pruning.

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