O'Neal Blueberry (Early Harvest)

O'Neal is an early Southern Highbush blueberry for mild-winter regions. Vigorous, semi-upright plants produce very large, medium-blue berries with excellent firmness, picking scar, and flavor. Bloom and ripening can extend over a longer period than some other early cultivars.

O'Neal Blueberry Highlights

• Harvest: Early season; timing varies by climate.
• Fruit: Very large, medium blue, firm, and flavorful.
• Plant habit: Vigorous and semi-upright, typically about 4–6 feet.
• Climate fit: Listed for USDA Zones 5–9 with a 300–500-hour chill range.
• Plant: Supplied as one plant in the seasonal dormant-plant program.

Pollination

O'Neal is generally self-fertile, but another Southern Highbush cultivar with overlapping bloom can improve fruit set and berry size. Consider Biloxi or Misty.

Planting and Care

Choose full sun and acidic, well-drained soil, ideally around pH 4.5–5.5. Maintain even moisture without waterlogging and mulch the shallow roots. Because O'Neal blooms early, a protected site can reduce the risk of late-frost damage to open flowers.

Browse more blueberry plants or read the blueberry growing guide.