Blueberries: A Gardener’s Guide to a Bountiful Harvest
Two types of blueberries grow well in Florida, rabbiteye and southern highbush. However, only the low-chill cultivars of each are adapted to Florida. Generally, rabbiteye blueberries grow well in areas of Florida that have winters as cold as or colder than winters in Central Florida.
Site Requirements
Both rabbiteye and southern highbush thrive on acidic soils, which contain more organic matter than is usually found in Florida soils. Michigan peat or pine bark is commonly used to increase soil organic matter in blueberry plantings. Michigan peat can be incorporated into the soil at or prior to planting. Pine bark can also be mixed into the soil, or when applied as mulch it will eventually decompose and add to the soil organic matter content. In areas where blueberry plants have been heavily mulched for several years, it is not uncommon to observe most of the fibrous roots growing in the decomposed litter above the natural soil. Blueberries require a well-drained soil profile of at least 18 inches in depth. If blueberry roots are exposed to water-saturated soil for more than a few days, damage from Phytophthora root rot may become severe. Generally, blueberries will grow well where azaleas, camellias, and other “acid-loving” plants are proven performers.
Set plants in a sunny area (at least 4–5 hours of full sun per day) away from the roots of trees except pines and at least 20 feet away from any building foundation. Southern highbush plants tend to be less vigorous and smaller than rabbiteyes. Plant size can be controlled to some degree by pruning. However, severe pruning will reduce yields the following spring. Allow at least a 7′ x 7′ area for rabbiteyes and a 4′ x 4′ area for southern highbush. Plants may be set 3 feet apart (southern highbush) or 5 feet apart (rabbiteye) for a hedgerow effect.
Planting & Establishment
The best time to plant blueberries is right now! It is best to use plants about 1.5 to 2 feet tall with well-developed root systems. The root balls of potted plants should be broken up slightly. The plants should be set at the same height as when they were growing in the nursery. If blueberries are planted on raised beds, flatten the bed in the vicinity of the plants and set the plant in a slight depression so that irrigation and rainwater will not flow away from the plant.
Pine bark mulch aids in the establishment of young blueberry plants. Either a layer of pine bark 3 inches deep extending about 2 feet out from the plants in all directions or a pine bark strip about 4 feet wide extending down the row will provide a good substrate for surface feeder roots. Mulch also moderates soil temperatures, aids in weed control, provides protection from mechanical injury, and adds organic matter to the soil. Weed control is extremely important for young plant establishment because blueberries are shallow-rooted plants that compete poorly with weeds for water and nutrients.
Cultivars
Aside from site selection, choosing the proper blueberry cultivars may be the most important decision a backyard blueberry grower can make. Most blueberry cultivars grown in Florida require cross-pollination from another cultivar of the same type (southern highbush with southern highbush and rabbiteye with rabbiteye). Another requirement for a good fruit set is that pollen vectors (usually bees) are present and working the flowers during bloom. With good pollination, berry yields of 2–5 pounds per plant may be expected by the third or fourth year. Some of the major blueberry cultivars commonly grown in Florida are:
Esposito’s Southern Highbush Cultivars:
Georgia Gem: Georgia Gem blueberries are prized for their sweet, juicy flavor and vibrant blue hue. Perfect for snacking, baking, or adding to smoothies, they’re a versatile and healthy treat. Georgia Gems are actually shorter than the rabbiteye varieties, contrary to their “highbush” label, making them perfect for potting.
Esposito’s Rabbiteye Cultivars:
Ochlocknee: Ochlocknee blueberries are a late-season variety known for their large, firm berries and excellent flavor. They are disease-resistant and thrive in the South, making them a reliable choice for growers. Their extended ripening periodensures a longer harvest season for fresh, delicious blueberries.
Premier: Premier blueberries are a reliable variety, offering large, firm berries with a mildly sweet flavor. Ideal for fresh eating, baking, or preserves, they bring versatility to your kitchen. Known for their early harvest and high yields, they thrive in warm climates with proper care.
Tifblue: Tifblue blueberries are prized for their large, flavorful berries and excellent sweetness. This hardy variety thrives in warm climates and is perfect for fresh eating or making jams. Tifblue bushes are known for their consistent yields and ability to withstand heat, making them a garden favorite.
Climax: Climax blueberries are an early-season variety, known for their sweet, tangy flavor and large size. Perfect for fresh eating, baking, or freezing, they provide a delicious treat year-round. These robust plants offer high yields and are well-suited to warmer climates, ensuring a bountiful harvest.
Powder Blue: Powder Blue blueberries are known for their large, firm berries with a sweet, tangy flavor. They are perfect for fresh eating, smoothies, or desserts, providing a burst of freshness. This hardy variety thrives in warmer climates, offering a high yield with minimal maintenance.
Bluebell: Bluebell blueberries are prized for their sweet, mild flavor and vibrant blue hue. With a compact growth habit, they’re ideal for smaller gardens or containers. This early-season variety produces abundant, high-quality berries perfect for fresh eating or baking.
Prince: Prince blueberries are an early-season variety, producing large, flavorful berries at the start of the harvest. They are vigorous growers with high yields, making them a great choice for both home gardeners and commercial growers. Their sweet taste and firm texture make them perfect for fresh eating or baking.
Fertilization
We recommend Espoma’s Berry-Tone when fertilizing your blueberry plants. Spread fertilizer evenly over a circle 2 feet in diameter with the plant in the center. Repeat this procedure in April, June, August, and October. Use as directed for best results!
Irrigation
Mature blueberry plants need about 40 inches of water annually. Most of this water is provided by rain. Water requirements for blueberry plants are low during the winter. During most years, the combination of rainfall and water stored in the soil should limit the need for irrigation on moist soils between December 1 and March 1. The most critical period for irrigation of blueberry plants in Florida is from early fruit set until the end of harvest. The frequency of irrigation depends on the weather, soil type, and type of blueberry (rabbiteye or southern highbush). Established rabbiteye blueberries in gardens will require irrigation only during prolonged dry periods. They are as drought tolerant as evergreen azaleas. Southern highbush blueberries planted on very sandy soils may require three or more irrigations per week during dry periods.
Weed Control
Weeds compete with blueberry plants for water, nutrients, and sunlight. Maintaining several inches of acid-forming mulch (such as pine bark, pine straw, or oak leaves) helps control weeds and acidifies the soil in the blueberry plant’s root zone. Woven nursery fabric ground cover or plastic ground cover may be used as synthetic mulches but will not add to the soil organic matter. Be aware that these ground covers may reduce the availability of water from rainfall and the availability of nutrients from surface-applied fertilizers, and they may complicate irrigation and fertilizer practices.
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