Highbush Blueberry
'Leaf emergence'Vaccinium corymbosum
Ericaceae · broadleaf deciduous shrub · native
Last updated
Aecial Stage (Alternate Host)
Spring Spore Release
Root Colonization Period
Active Below-ground Growth
+ 4 more — see full disease and pest lists below
Highbush blueberry is a broadleaf shrub reaching 6-12 ft with multiple stems and erect form. It produces white or pinkish urn-shaped flowers in May and edible blue fruit. Native range spans Maine to Minnesota south to Florida.
Highbush blueberry is hardy in zones 3a-8b and prefers part shade with wet-tolerant, acidic soil (pH 4.7-7.5). Growth is moderate with medium maintenance; it requires moderate moisture and tolerates wet soil and anaerobic conditions. Over 43 diseases are documented, necessitating careful monitoring.
Quick Facts
Phenological Calendar
As of May 9, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1800.9 to 1983.6 GDD₃₂. Highbush Blueberry has passed 'leaf emergence' (1538 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of May 9, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 1,984 | 'Leaf emergence' | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 1,972 | 'Leaf emergence' | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 1,954 | 'Leaf emergence' | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 1,913 | 'Leaf emergence' | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,881 | 'Leaf emergence' | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,863 | 'Leaf emergence' | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,801 | 'Leaf emergence' | — | — |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| 'Bud break' BBCH '07' | 1068 | '' |
| 'Flower buds visible' BBCH '51' | 1272 | '' |
| ● 'Leaf emergence' BBCH '11' NOW | 1538 | '' |
Source: 'NPN citizen science observations (WA+OR), n=7, median. services.usanpn.org' About GDD₃₂ →
Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of May 9, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through May 26, 2026, then climate normals.