Growing Blueberries: The Best Variety for Where You Live
Blueberries are a popular and easy-to-grow fruit crop that can be successfully grown in most of the United States and southern Canada, provided the right variety is selected for the local climate. Also, soil preparation is key to establishing a productive planting.
Planting Guidelines
Regardless of variety, blueberries require acidic soil (pH 4.8–5.2), full sun (at least six hours daily), and good drainage. Before planting, test the soil and adjust the pH using elemental sulfur if needed. Add organic matter such as peat moss or compost to the planting hole. Space plants according to their type. Prune back one-third of the top growth at planting to encourage healthy root development, and water regularly during the first few years.
For more detailed, region-specific guidance, contact your local Extension Service, which provides free research-based information and advice for your area.
Related Videos:
Planting Blueberries
Blueberry pH Problems
Preparing Blueberry Plants for Winter
Killing Grass Around Blueberries
Related Resources:
Blueberries in Home Gardens
Blueberries for home landscapes
Site Selection and Preparation
- Rabbiteye Blueberries
Rabbiteye varieties are well-suited to the southern United States due to their heat tolerance and adaptability. These plants grow large and should be spaced 8 to 10 feet apart. They require cross-pollination, so at least two different varieties should be planted together. Recommended varieties of rabbiteye blueberries include: Brightwell, Premier, Centurion, Alapaha, Austin, Tifblue, Climax, Powderblue, and Baldwin. - Southern Highbush Blueberries
These are hybrid crosses between Northern highbush and rabbiteye types and also require cross-pollination. They need 200–300 chill hours, making them suitable for states along the Gulf Coast. Highbush blueberries are smaller than rabiteye, but still require about 6 feet between plants. Recommended varieties include: O’Neal, Gulf Coast, Cooper, Georgia Gem, Cape Fear, Reveille, Bladen, Blue Ridge, Jubilee, Magnolia, Pearl River, and Biloxi. - Northern Highbush Blueberries
Best suited for cooler climates, these varieties need more than 800 chill hours and are commonly grown from Missouri and Kentucky northward. Like southern highbush, they should be planted about six feet apart. They are generally self-fertile but benefit from cross-pollination, which can result in larger berries. Recommended varieties include: Bluecrop, Blueray, Chandler, Elliott, Duke, Jersey, and Toro. - Lowbush Blueberries
Native to the northern U.S. and southern Canada, these are low-growing shrubs that spread by underground stems. They should be spaced about 2 feet apart. Lowbush blueberries are suitable for colder climates and can be found in the wild or cultivated. Because they are native and grow wild there are fewer names varieties. Some include: Blomidon, Burgundy and Brunswick. - Half-High Blueberries
A cross between lowbush and Northern highbush types, half-high blueberries combine cold tolerance with a plant size between lowbush and highbush. They should be planted about three feet apart. Like their parent types, they require cross-pollination. Recommended varieties include: Polaris, Northland, Northcountry, Northsky, Chippewa, Northblue, BrazelBerry, Sunshine Blue, and Perpetua.
Planting Guidelines
Regardless of variety, blueberries require acidic soil (pH 4.8–5.2), full sun (at least six hours daily), and good drainage. Before planting, test the soil and adjust the pH using elemental sulfur if needed. Add organic matter such as peat moss or compost to the planting hole. Space plants according to their type. Prune back one-third of the top growth at planting to encourage healthy root development, and water regularly during the first few years.
For more detailed, region-specific guidance, contact your local Extension Service, which provides free research-based information and advice for your area.
Related Videos:
Planting Blueberries
Blueberry pH Problems
Preparing Blueberry Plants for Winter
Killing Grass Around Blueberries
Related Resources:
Blueberries in Home Gardens
Blueberries for home landscapes
Site Selection and Preparation