At present about 400 acres of blueberries are produced annually. The blueberry is also used in the landscape and home fruit plantings. The deciduous shrub is quite hardy throughout the state. There are over 34 species of blueberries worldwide. Tifblue, Brightwell, Premier, and Climax are among the most popular improved varieties of rabbiteye presently being grown.
Highbush blueberries grow quite well in the northern third of the state.
Huckleberries have 10 very hard seeds, and their berries are blackish when ripe. Blueberry fruits are larger and have many small, softer seeds that are not very noticeable when eaten. Harvesting Blueberries Blueberries are ready for harvest beginning no sooner than 3 to 4 days after fruits become fully blue. Berries will not ripen further after harvest. Once berries become ripe, they can remain on plants for 7 to 10 days without significant loss in quality.