Best Blueberry Varieties for Southern New Hampshire

For southern New Hampshire (USDA zone 5a–5b), choose highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) cultivars that are cold-hardy, productive, and ornamental. Recommended varieties:

• 'Bluecrop': Mid-season, very productive, excellent flavor, good fall color.
• 'Patriot': Early, large berries, very cold-hardy, upright growth.
• 'Northblue': Half-high (3–4 ft), extremely hardy, sweet fruit, great for smaller spaces.
• 'Chandler': Huge berries, long harvest, vigorous.
• 'Pink Lemonade': Pink fruit, ornamental, conversation piece.

Planting Tips

1. Plant at least two different varieties for cross-pollination and larger yields.
2. Soil must be acidic (pH 4.5–5.0); amend with peat moss and elemental sulfur.
3. Space plants 4–5 ft apart in rows 8–10 ft apart.
4. Mulch heavily with pine bark or wood chips; water consistently.
5. Purchase from a local nursery (not big-box stores) for regionally adapted stock and expert advice.

With proper site preparation and variety selection, you'll enjoy decades of harvests.