O'Neal Blueberry Plant

O’Neal is one of the best-tasting blueberry varieties we carry — and that’s saying something with the range of Southern Highbush varieties available. Introduced in 1987, this heat-tolerant Southern Highbush produces large, firm, deeply sweet blueberries in June that deliver a flavor quality that consistently impresses even experienced blueberry growers. With only 500–600 chill hours required and proven performance across Zones 5–9, it’s an exceptional choice for Southern and warm-climate gardeners who want premium blueberry flavor from their own planting.

Premium Flavor — One of the Best-Tasting Varieties Available

O’Neal’s reputation as a top-tier flavor variety is well earned. The large, firm June berries have an intensely sweet, clean blueberry flavor that stands out even among other quality Southern Highbush varieties. At peak ripeness, these are the kind of fresh blueberries that remind you why homegrown fruit is fundamentally different from anything you can buy. Outstanding for fresh eating, and excellent frozen, baked, and preserved.

Heat Tolerant — Made for Southern Gardens

Most Northern Highbush varieties struggle in heat and humidity. O’Neal was developed specifically for Southern performance — thriving in the warm conditions that challenge less adapted varieties while delivering premium fruit quality that matches or exceeds what northern varieties achieve in their optimal climates. It’s a Southern Highbush built for where Southern gardeners actually live and grow.

Low Chill Hours for Mild-Winter Climates

At 500–600 chill hours, O’Neal is well-suited to mild-winter climates where higher-chill varieties can’t perform reliably. That accessible chill requirement opens premium blueberry growing to a wider range of growers across the South and warmer regions of the country.

Note: O’Neal requires winter mulch for protection in colder parts of its zone range.

Why Growers Love O’Neal

• One of the best-tasting blueberry varieties available — premium flavor that earns consistent praise
• Large, firm, deeply sweet June berries — outstanding fresh, frozen, and baked
• Heat tolerant Southern Highbush — built for warm-climate performance
• Low chill hours (500–600) — ideal for mild-winter growing regions
• Self-pollinating — fruit with just one plant, even better yields with a companion nearby