UGA Blueberry Blog Scientific information about blueberry production from the UGA blueberry team.. Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium Newsletters and growing guides related to the production and marketing of blueberries.. Impact Statements: Blueberries Descriptions of Extension efforts to improve knowledge and practices related to blueberries. Rabbiteye blueberries are … Requires 350 - 400 chill hours. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. The area must receive at least six hours of direct sunlight for best results. People have used blueberries as a food source for a very long time, but we are only recently realizing the many health benefits they have. Learn more about what is going on in Jefferson County by visiting the ACES website, www.aces.edu/Jefferson. Websites UGA-affiliated sites. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Selections of Vaccinium corymbosum, these blueberries dislike mild winters and extended summer heat, so they are recommended primarily for the Upper and Middle South (USDA 6-7). Deer berries are smaller and dark purple, sometimes black. Dig a planting hole for the blueberry bush that is two times as wide as and slightly deeper than the root ball. All rights reserved (About Us). Both azaleas and blueberries do well in our acid soils and they can be fertilized with the same type fertilizer. Excellent fruit quality. Question: Can you give me some tips on growing blueberries in our area? Generally speaking if you can grow azaleas, you can grow blueberries, but blueberries … All Rights Reserved. Rabbiteyes are the type I normally encourage homeowners to plant because of their ease of care, fruitfulness, availability and general adaptability to our climate. Jennifer Loucks has been writing since 1998. The rabbiteye blueberry species is native to the southern United States and grows well in Alabama as this variety has few problems with pests. Select a growing area in the home garden that has a well-aerated and draining soil. Garden Talk is written by Bethany A. O'Rear of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, C. Beaty Hanna Horticulture & Environmental Center, which is based at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Prune to remove 1/3 to 1/2 the branch length. After planting, it is a good idea to mulch the plants with about two or three inches of mulch. The blueberries are large and blue with a waxy coat, like you see in the grocery. And, whether you buy them at roadside stands, U-pick operations or farmers markets, harvest them from the wild or plant them in your garden, the options are plentiful. Use selections such as 'Bluecrop,' 'Liberty,' and 'Patriot.' Locate an area in the garden that receives more than six hours of sun each day as … Apply water to assist with absorption and let the soil rest for two weeks before planting. Choosing Blueberries Several types of blueberries can be grown across the South. Apply a slow-release, high-acid fertilizer each spring after the first year of growth. The blueberry bush is a perennial plant with hardy varieties available for most growing areas in North America. I think they taste better than blueberries. Add a layer of organic compost into the hole and set the plant on top so the root ball is approximately 1/2 inch below the soil surface. Premier - Vigorous, productive plant with large fruit and good color South Alabama only. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (each updated 1/1/20). Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! This column includes research-based information from land-grant universities around the country, including Alabama A&M University and Auburn University. Place netting over the blueberry plants during berry production to prevent loss to birds. This means you need at least two varieties that have overlapping blooming periods to get good pollination. The most commonly grown is called rabbiteye and the other less common type is the Northern highbush. Fill the remaining hole area once the water absorbs into the surround soil. Plant several variety types in the home garden to lengthen the harvest season and have fresh blueberries throughout the summer. Harvest season begins early, June 1 in South Mississippi, but continues late. The fruit may be harvested mechanically for fresh or frozen. The rabbiteye blueberry species is native to the southern United States and grows well in Alabama as this variety has few problems with pests. She previously worked as a technical writer for a software development company, creating software documentation, help documents and training curriculum. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, US Highbush Blueberry Council: Bluberries, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension: Blueberries for the Home Garden. Generally speaking if you can grow azaleas, you can grow blueberries, but blueberries … Georgia release 1981. You can plant container grown plants in spring or fall, but keep them well watered throughout the first year. If you want a list of suggested varieties you can contact your County Extension office or go to the following web address: www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-1078/.