BLUEBERRY BUSH GUIDE

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While Northern and Southern blueberry bushes are considered self-fertile, meaning they can produce fruit without a plant pollinator, planting two of the same varieties of blueberry bushes together is not the best approach for maximizing fruit production.

Here's why:

• Limited genetic diversity: Even though Sweetheart is self-fertile, cross-pollination (pollination between two different varieties) generally leads to better fruit set, larger berries, and more consistent yields. 1 Planting two of the same variety doesn't provide this benefit of genetic diversity. 

Will a Rabbiteye cross pollinate with a half high? While it's not ideal, a Rabbiteye blueberry can sometimes cross-pollinate with a Half-High blueberry, but it's generally not recommended for optimal fruit production.

Here's why:

• Different species: Rabbiteye blueberries (Vaccinium virgatum) and Half-High blueberries (hybrids of Vaccinium corymbosum and Vaccinium angustifolium) are different species with different genetic makeups. This can lead to incompatibility issues during pollination.
• Chromosome differences: Rabbiteye blueberries are hexaploid (six sets of chromosomes), while Highbush blueberries (a parent of Half-Highs) are tetraploid (four sets of chromosomes). This difference in chromosome number can hinder successful fertilization.   
• Bloom time differences: Rabbiteye and Half-High blueberries may have different bloom times, which can further reduce the chances of successful cross-pollination. 

What does this mean for fruit production?

• Reduced fruit set: Even if cross-pollination occurs, the fruit set may be significantly lower compared to cross-pollination between two Rabbiteye varieties.
• Smaller berries: The berries produced may be smaller than usual.
• Inconsistent results: The success of cross-pollination can vary depending on the specific varieties involved and environmental conditions.