Blueberry Plants
Sunshine Blue: A self fertile variety excellent for small gardens
Southern highbush blueberries are grown in Florida and are the earliest blueberries to ripen in North America. These blueberries were developed by crossing northern highbush varieties from Michigan and New Jersey with native wild Florida blueberries. In Florida we have have at least eight types of wild blueberries and they are found along rivers and swamps.
Southern highbush blueberries are less forgiving in soil requirements than other varieties. These blueberries are more susceptible to excessive soil moisture, alkalinity and drought. They can have problems with diseases such as Phytophthora root rot and blueberry stem blight. Be sure to keep these diseases under control by using approved fungicides as needed. Neem oil is an excellent organic fungicide and insecticide you should consider using.
Season: These plants produce delicious fruit from April to late May.
Southern highbush blueberries are less forgiving in soil requirements than other varieties. These blueberries are more susceptible to excessive soil moisture, alkalinity and drought. They can have problems with diseases such as Phytophthora root rot and blueberry stem blight. Be sure to keep these diseases under control by using approved fungicides as needed. Neem oil is an excellent organic fungicide and insecticide you should consider using.
Season: These plants produce delicious fruit from April to late May.
Blueberry Vaccinium x 'Sunshine Blue' (Southern Highbush)
This blueberry bush is a real champion in South Florida. As a matter of fact people in Northern California also grow them. We have been growing Sunshine Blue for several years here in Florida and it is truly amazing! This high bush Blueberry only requires 150 hours of chill. The hot pink flowers fade to white and yield abundant crops of large deliciously sweet Blueberries year after year. Grow in the ground or in containers. This semi-dwarf shrub is good for large tubs. Sunshine Blue is self pollinating but produces much higher yields when planted with another variety. Semi-evergreen. In springtime, the hot pink blooms will lighten to white and then produce delectable berries.
Sunshine Blue is widely adaptable to different soils and climates and does very well in South Florida. These bushes average about three feet tall. Buy some and grow in your favorite container. These beauties generally produce yields of 5 to 10 lbs. of fruit per bush. You could get as many as 150 berries from just two plants. Production continues for up to six weeks.
Plant Characteristics:
Sunshine Blue offers excellent disease resistance and is also drought tolerant once established.
These blueberries can take the heat and humidity of South Florida very well! They love full sun but hate wet feet so easy on the water. Keep moist not soaked. Be sure to use plenty of organic compost and keep the soil on the acid side. Oh did I mention they taste awesome!
Sharpblue Early Season Blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum 'Sharpblue' (Southern Highbush)
Another great choice and excellent companion plant for Sunshine Blue. Only 200 chill hours needed. Nice medium size dark blue fruit.
TIP: Cottonseed Meal makes a great acidic organic fertilizer for your blueberries.
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Care Information:
Provide an acidic, well-drained soil. Water regularly during the growing season to maintain a deep, extensive root system. Provide at least one inch of water per week. Keep landscaped plants mulched to conserve moisture and keep weeds out Before new growth begins, prune off twiggy growth, leaving only main stems to prevent overbearing; feed with an acidic fertilizer. You can also grow them in containers or grow bags. Soil pH 4.5-5.5 |
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