For Bay Area gardeners eager for the earliest taste of homegrown blueberries, Sharpblue is a top contender. This reliable, heat-tolerant Southern highbush variety kicks off the season with a generous crop of sweet, aromatic berries and offers the bonus of beautiful evergreen foliage with vibrant fall color.

• An early-season, self-pollinating Southern highbush variety that begins the blueberry harvest in late spring.

• Produces medium-sized, firm, dark blue berries with a good balance of sweetness and classic blueberry flavor.

• Valued for its extended harvest period and ability to produce some fruit almost year-round in mild coastal climates like parts of the Bay Area.

• A semi-evergreen shrub with attractive leathery leaves that turn striking shades of orange and red in autumn.

• Well-adapted to warmer climates (Zones 7-10) and performs reliably with the acidic soil that all blueberries require.

• Establishment is key: Prune back at planting and allow to establish for 2-3 years before expecting significant harvests.

Flavor Profile:

• Flavor: Sweet with a pleasant, mild acidity and good aromatic quality.

• Texture: Firm and juicy with small seeds.

• Best Uses: Excellent for fresh eating straight from the bush, breakfast cereals, and baking where a reliable blueberry flavor is desired.