Product Name: Pink Lemonade Blueberry
Description:
Pink Lemonade Blueberry is a truly unique and visually stunning blueberry variety, developed by the USDA Agricultural Research Service over more than a decade of careful breeding. Released as germplasm in 2005 and officially named in 2007, this is the first pink-fruited blueberry to become commercially available, captivating gardeners and fruit enthusiasts worldwide with its dreamy rose-pink color and sweet, mild flavor.
A Blueberry That Breaks All the Rules:
Unlike traditional blueberries that ripen to deep blue, Pink Lemonade berries transition from pale green to a delicate blush pink, finally ripening to a rich rosy-pink hue. The fruit is firm, glossy, and medium-sized, with a mild, sweet flavor that is notably sweeter and less tart than conventional blueberries. Many describe the taste as having subtle citrus and floral notes reminiscent of lemonade, with some detecting hints of peach or rose. The berries are perfect for fresh snacking, especially for children who prefer a milder, sweeter flavor.
Appearance:
The shrub itself is a showstopper in any garden. In spring, it produces small, sweetly fragrant shell-pink blooms. As the season progresses, the glossy green foliage provides a beautiful backdrop to the pink berries, and in autumn, the leaves transform into brilliant shades of yellow, gold, and reddish-orange. Even in winter, the russet-red bare stems keep the plant interesting.
Nutritional Notes:
Pink Lemonade blueberries share the same nutritional benefits as traditional blueberries, including vitamins C and E, flavonoids, and antioxidants. Because they naturally lack the gene for producing deep purple anthocyanins, their anthocyanin content is lower than that of blue varieties (approximately one-fifth to one-half), but they still retain excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that support eye health, cardiovascular function, and immune support.
Key Commercial Advantages:
Unique Pink Color – The first and most widely recognized pink-fruited blueberry, highly distinctive and marketable
Sweet, Mild Flavor – Sweeter and less acidic than traditional blueberries, appealing to a wide range of consumers
Ornamental & Edible – Beautiful year-round interest with spring blossoms, pink berries, and stunning fall foliage
Extended Harvest Season – Fruits from mid-summer through early fall (May–June in some regions, continuing until October in others)
Rare and Specialty Market Potential – Limited production and high novelty value make it ideal for premium fruit markets, garden centers, and specialty retailers
Important Notes for Growers:
Chill Requirement: Approximately 300–600 chill hours, suitable for USDA Zones 4–9
Pollination: While listed as self-fertile, cross-pollination with another rabbiteye variety is strongly recommended for optimal fruit set and yield
Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.2) rich in organic matter, with consistent moisture
Growth Habit: Rabbiteye hybrid, growing to approximately 4–6 feet tall and wide
Yield: Moderate to low yields compared to standard commercial varieties; better suited for specialty and home garden markets than large-scale commercial production
Harvest Season:
Mid-summer to early fall – with the primary crop ripening in July–August and successive fruiting continuing into October in favorable conditions. A premium specialty variety with strong consumer appeal and excellent market differentiation potential.