Patriot is an early Northern Highbush blueberry selected for colder gardens. It produces very large, slightly flattened, medium-blue berries with a tart, aromatic flavor. The compact, open plant is more tolerant of heavier, wetter soil than many highbush cultivars, but it still needs drainage.
Patriot Blueberry Highlights
- Harvest: Early season with concentrated ripening.
- Fruit: Very large, medium blue, tart, and aromatic; texture is softer than some firm-fruited cultivars.
- Plant habit: Vigorous, moderately upright, open, and generally under 4 feet.
- Climate fit: Listed for USDA Zones 3–7 with a 500–1,000-hour chill range.
- Plant: Supplied as one plant in the seasonal dormant-plant program.
Pollination
Patriot is generally self-fertile, but another Northern Highbush cultivar with overlapping bloom can improve berry size and yield. Consider Bluecrop or Draper.
Planting and Care
Plant in full sun and acidic soil, ideally around pH 4.5–5.5. Maintain even moisture without standing water and mulch the shallow roots. Avoid forcing lush late-season growth and keep canes well spaced because Patriot can be sensitive to bacterial blight.
Browse more blueberry plants or read the blueberry growing guide.