Michigan is a national leader in the production of highbush blueberries, consistently ranking among the top states in the country for its annual harvest. Growers dedicate significant acreage to cultivating over 20 different varieties of this popular fruit. This extensive network of farms produces tens of millions of pounds of blueberries each year, making a substantial contribution to the national market.
The Michigan Blueberry Season Calendar
The Michigan blueberry season typically begins in early July and extends through the beginning of September, often wrapping up around the Labor Day holiday. This window is defined by the staggered ripening of different highbush blueberry cultivars grown across the state. The overall season is categorized into three phases to help track availability.
The earliest berries, often referred to as early-season varieties, begin to appear around the first or second week of July. Cultivars such as ‘Duke’, ‘Blueray’, and ‘Bluejay’ are among those harvested during this initial period. The ‘Blueray’ variety is known for its large fruit size and aromatic flavor, making it a popular choice for U-Pick operations.
The peak of the Michigan blueberry season occurs during the mid-season, generally from the last two weeks of July through mid-August. The ‘Bluecrop’ cultivar dominates this period, representing a large portion of the state’s total acreage. This period offers the most abundant supply and the highest quality for the average consumer seeking fresh berries.
Late-season berries extend the harvest, sometimes into the first week or two of September. Historic Michigan varieties like ‘Jersey’ are harvested late in the season, while the ‘Elliott’ cultivar is one of the latest to ripen. Regional differences also influence timing, as cooler weather in the West Central region can delay the harvest by roughly a week compared to the Southwest region, helping to spread the supply.
Locating Michigan Blueberries: U-Pick and Commercial Availability
The vast majority of Michigan’s commercial blueberry production is concentrated in the western part of the Lower Peninsula, specifically along the Lake Michigan shoreline, often called the “fruit belt.” This region encompasses counties like Van Buren, Allegan, and Ottawa, which benefit from a unique microclimate. The proximity to Lake Michigan moderates the weather, preventing extreme temperature swings that can damage the fruit buds.
The region’s sandy, acidic glacial soils and naturally high water tables create ideal growing conditions for highbush blueberries. This combination of soil and climate is why Southwest Michigan has become one of the most productive fruit-growing environments. Consumers can find these berries through two primary channels once they are harvested.
Commercial availability refers to the berries distributed to grocery stores, markets, and processors, accounting for approximately half of the total harvest. The remaining berries are often sold directly to the public through farm stands and U-Pick operations. U-Pick farms allow the public to harvest their own fruit, and these rates are typically lower than the price of pre-picked berries.
If planning a U-Pick visit, it is advisable to contact the farm ahead of time to confirm hours and field conditions. U-Pick operations may have different schedules than the commercial harvest, and the best location for picking can vary daily based on which rows are ripe. This ensures that visitors arrive when the fields are open and the berries are at their most abundant.