Blueberries are ripe and ready to harvest when they have turned a deep blue or purple color without any hints of pink or red. The ripening process typically follows these color stages: green → pink or white → light blue → dark blue (ripe). It is important to wait a few days after the berries first turn blue to allow them to fully develop sweetness and flavor, as picking too early results in berries that are more tart, harder, and less sweet. Other signs that blueberries are ripe include:

• The berries feel slightly soft but still firm when gently squeezed.
• They easily detach from the bush with a gentle roll or slight pressure.
• The berries have reached their full size for the variety.
• There is a whitish bloom coating on the berries, indicating full ripeness.

Blueberries do not continue to ripen after being picked, so it is best to harvest them only when fully ripe on the bush. The blueberry season generally spans from late spring to early fall, with peak harvest times from July through August in many regions, but exact timing depends on your local climate and the blueberry variety grown. In summary, wait for blueberries to be deep blue with no pink or red hues, slightly soft yet firm, and easily coming off the bush before picking for the best taste and texture.