Blueberry harvest Growing Fruit for Home Use Fruit Experiment Station Missouri State

Blueberries are ready to harvest about a week after they first turn blue and no longer have a violet ring around the base of the berry by the "stem" (pedicel) where the berry connects to the bush. Birds are a problem at this time and protective netting is recommended. The fruit can stay on the bush over a week after ripening. Once a blueberry is picked, it will not ripen further. Blueberries may keep up to 2 weeks in refrigeration and they freeze well.

An easy way to harvest is to attach a gallon size bucket to a belt worn around the waist. You can use both hands to pick the berries. Run your fingers over the berry clusters to pick the ripe berries. The ripe berries come off easier than the unripe and you will be able to pick quickly once you get used to the process.

Blueberry Harvest