The little Chippewa is one of the most cold-hardy blueberry bushes, growing even in zone 3a. It is a high/low bush, meaning that it grows to about 3′. The other blueberries we are offering grow to be 5′ to 7′.
A number of years ago, we tried a planting of 100 blueberry bushes on an area that wasn’t really recommended for blueberries. Of the many different varieties we planted, only the Chippewas survived. And they are still growing and producing profusely 20 years later. The smaller bush size makes them easy to pick, and they have a fantastic taste.
The berries are medium-sized and easy to pick. They don’t have much of a picking scar, and they are firm when ripe. Chippewa ripens around mid July.
The Chippewa is self-fertile and will produce a full crop without a pollinator. They will make a great edible hedge if planted 2′ apart. Plant a few extra for the birds!
All commercial blueberries require acidic, well-drained soil. Many wild blueberries are swamp plants, but that trait has been bred out of the blueberry bushes folks buy today for home and commercial use.
