Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
BLUEBERRY BUSH GUIDE
Blueberry Verities
While Northern and Southern blueberry bushes are considered self-fertile, meaning they can produce fruit without a plant pollinator, planting two of the same verities 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.
Recommendation
For the best fruit production from your Rabbiteye blueberry, it's highly recommended to plant another Rabbiteye variety with a similar bloom time. This will ensure proper pollination and a bountiful harvest.
If you have both Rabbiteye and Half-High blueberries and notice some fruit production, it's likely due to other factors like self-fertility or pollination from other nearby blueberry bushes of the same type.
In conclusion, while cross-pollination between Rabbiteye and Half-High blueberries is possible to some extent, it's not the most effective way to ensure a good harvest.
Sticking to cross-pollination within the same type (Rabbiteye with Rabbiteye) is the best approach.
TYPES OF BLUEBERRY BUSHES
NORTHERN BLUEBERRY BUSHES
3 in 1 Blueberry (northern)
Bluecrop (northern)
Bluegold (northern)
Bluejay (northern)
Blue Profusion (northern)
Blueray (northern)
Bonus (northern)
Chandler (northern)
Darrow (northern)
Draper (northland)
Duke (northern)
Earliblue {northern)
Elliott (northern)
Hardyblue (northern)
Herbert (northern)
Jelly bean (northern) dwarf
Jersey (northern)
Legacy (northern)
Liberty (northern)
Northland (northern)
Patriot (northern)
Perpetua (northern)
Reka (northern)
Rubel (northern)
Sky dewtm Gold (northern)
Spartan (northern)
Superior (northern)
Sweetheart (northern)
Talisman (northern)
Topshelf (northern)
Toro (northern)
Weymouth (northern)
SOUTHERN BLUEBERRY BUSHES
Biloxi (southern)
Emerald (southern)
Glaze (southern)
Gupton (southern)
Hello Darlin (southern)
Jewel (southern)
Jubilee (southern)
Misty (southern)
Midnight cascade (southern)
O'Neal (southern)
Peach sorbet (southern)
Pink icing (southern)
Sapphire Cascade (southern)
Sharpblue (southern)
Southmoon (southern)
Springhigh (southern)
Star (southern)
Sunrise (southern)
Sunshine Blue (southern)
Sweetheart (southern)
RABBITEYE
Bless Your Heart (rabbiteye)
Brightwell (rabbiteye)
Climax (rabbiteye)
Krewer (rabbiteye)
Pink Lemonade (rabbiteye)
Powder Blue (rabbiteye)
Premier (rabbiteye)
Takes the Cake (rabbiteye)
Tifblue (rabbiteye)
Titan (rabbiteye)
Vernon (rabbiteye)
HALF-HIGH BLUEBERRY BUSHES
Chippewa (half-high)
North blue (half-high)
Northcountry (half-high)
Northsky (half-high)
Polaris (half-high)
Silver dollar (half-high)
Tophat (half-high)
LOW-BUSH BLUEBERRY BUSHES
Brunswick (low-bush)
Burgundy (low-bush)
northern blueberry bushes
Aurora Blueberry Bush
Sweetheart Blueberry Bush
Sweetheart Blueberry Bush
The Aurora blueberry bush is considered to have intermediate dependence on a pollinizer, meaning it will produce more fruit if it is cross-pollinated with another blueberry variety. Here are some good options for cross-pollination with Aurora:
- Other Northern Highbush varieties: Since Aurora is a Northern Highbush blueberry, it's best to pair it with another variety from the same group. Some good choices include:
- Elliott: This late-season variety blooms around the same time as Aurora and is known for its high yields.
- Liberty: Another late-season variety that blooms with Aurora, Liberty offers excellent flavor and good disease resistance.
- Legacy: This variety has a slightly earlier bloom time than Aurora but can still provide good cross-pollination. It's also known for its vigorous growth and high yields.
Important Considerations:
- Bloom Time: Choose a pollinator that blooms at the same time as your Aurora blueberry bush. This ensures that there are flowers available for pollination when your Aurora is ready.
- Genetic Compatibility: While most Northern Highbush varieties will cross-pollinate with each other, some combinations are more effective than others. The varieties listed above are known to be good pollinators for Aurora.
- Planting Location: Plant your pollinator within 50 feet of your Aurora blueberry bush for the best results.
By planting a compatible pollinator, you can significantly increase the fruit set and yield of your Aurora blueberry bush.
Sweetheart Blueberry Bush
Sweetheart Blueberry Bush
Sweetheart Blueberry Bush
Here are some good options for cross-pollinating with "Sweetheart":
- Other Northern Highbush varieties: Since "Sweetheart" is a hybrid of Northern and Southern Highbush, it will readily cross-pollinate with other Northern Highbush varieties. Some good choices include:
- Bluecrop: A popular and reliable variety with a mid-season bloom time.
- Elliott: A late-season variety that blooms around the same time as "Sweetheart."
- Legacy: A vigorous variety with a slightly earlier bloom time than "Sweetheart."
Key Considerations:
- Bloom Time: Choose a pollinator that blooms at the same time as your "Sweetheart" blueberry bush to ensure effective pollination.
- Planting Location: Plant your pollinator within 50 feet of your "Sweetheart" blueberry bush for the best results.
Even though "Sweetheart" is self-fertile, planting a compatible pollinator can still lead to a more abundant harvest.
Northland Blueberry Bush
Sweetheart Blueberry Bush
Northland Blueberry Bush
The Northland blueberry is a Northern Highbush variety, known for its cold hardiness. While it's considered partially self-fertile, you'll get a much better yield with cross-pollination. Here are some good choices for pollinators:
- Other Northern Highbush varieties with similar bloom times: Since Northland blooms mid-season, look for other mid-season Northern Highbush varieties. Here are a few reliable options:
- Bluecrop: This is a very popular and widely planted variety that blooms around the same time as Northland. It's known for its consistent production and good flavor.
- Blueray: Another mid-season variety that is a reliable pollinator for Northland. It produces large, flavorful berries.
- Duke: While it blooms slightly earlier, Duke can still be a good pollinator for Northland, especially in areas with longer bloom periods.
Important things to keep in mind:
- Bloom time overlap: The most important factor is that the pollinator and the Northland blueberry bush bloom at the same time. This ensures that bees can transfer pollen effectively.
- Genetic compatibility: Stick to other Northern Highbush varieties for the best results.
- Proximity: Plant the pollinator within 50 feet of your Northland blueberry bush for optimal pollination.
By planting one or more of these compatible pollinators, you'll encourage heavier fruit set, larger berries, and a more abundant harvest from your Northland blueberry bush.
southern blueberry bushes
Biloxi Blueberry Bush
The Biloxi blueberry is a Southern Highbush variety, so it's best to pair it with other Southern Highbush blueberries for optimal cross-pollination. Here are some good choices:
- O'Neal: This is a popular choice for pairing with Biloxi, as it has a similar bloom time and produces high-quality fruit.
- Star: Another good option with a comparable bloom time, Star offers good yields and disease resistance.
- Jewel: This variety has a slightly later bloom time than Biloxi but can still provide effective pollination. It's also known for its excellent flavor.
- Emerald: This early-season variety can be a good choice if you want to extend your harvest season.
Key factors to consider:
- Bloom time: Ensure the pollinator variety blooms around the same time as your Biloxi blueberry bush.
- Chill hours: Southern Highbush blueberries have lower chill hour requirements than Northern Highbush varieties, making them suitable for warmer climates. Make sure your chosen pollinator has similar chill hour needs.
- Genetic compatibility: While most Southern Highbush varieties will cross-pollinate with each other, some combinations are more effective. The varieties listed above are known to be good pollinators for Biloxi.
By planting one or more of these compatible pollinators within close proximity to your Biloxi blueberry bush, you'll encourage better fruit set, larger berries, and increased yields.
Rabbiteye blueberry bushes
Alapaha Blueberry Bush
The Alapaha blueberry is a Rabbiteye variety, so it needs another Rabbiteye variety for optimal cross-pollination. Here are some of the best choices:
- 'Vernon': This is often specifically recommended as a companion for Alapaha. They have good bloom time overlap and are considered highly compatible. Many sources suggest this is the best pairing.
- 'Titan': This is another good option that can work well with Alapaha, especially if you also want large berries.
- 'Premier': While an early-season Rabbiteye, it can still work, especially in areas with longer bloom periods where there's sufficient overlap.
Key things to remember when choosing pollinators for Alapaha:
- Bloom time overlap: This is crucial. The pollinator must bloom at the same time as Alapaha for effective pollen transfer.
- Genetic compatibility: Stick to other Rabbiteye varieties for optimal results.
- Proximity: Plant the pollinator within 50 feet of your Alapaha blueberry bush for the best pollination.
Many sources point to 'Vernon' as the ideal pollinator for Alapaha, so if you have the option, that's likely your best bet. By planting one or more of these compatible pollinators, you'll encourage heavier fruit set, larger berries, and a more abundant harvest from your Alapaha blueberry bush.
Bless Your Heart Blueberry Bush
The "Bless Your Heart" blueberry is a Rabbiteye variety. Rabbiteye blueberries are known to benefit significantly from cross-pollination with other Rabbiteye varieties. Here are some of the best pollinators for "Bless Your Heart":
- Takes the Cake™: This is often recommended as a companion plant for "Bless Your Heart" as they are both early-season bloomers and have proven to be a successful pairing for increased yields.
- Climax: This is a reliable and popular Rabbiteye variety that blooms around the same time as "Bless Your Heart."
- Premier: Another good choice that blooms early in the season and is known for its consistent production.
- Tifblue: While it's a mid-season bloomer, planting it alongside early season varieties like 'Bless Your Heart' can help extend the pollination window and potentially increase overall yields.
- Powderblue: A late-season variety that can also contribute to extending the harvest season when planted with early-season varieties.
Key things to remember for Rabbiteye blueberries:
- Cross-pollination is key: While Rabbiteye blueberries are partially self-fertile, they produce significantly more fruit when cross-pollinated with another Rabbiteye variety.
- Similar bloom times: Choose pollinators that bloom around the same time as "Bless Your Heart" to ensure effective pollination.
- Plant multiple varieties: Planting at least two different Rabbiteye varieties is highly recommended for optimal fruit production.
By planting one or more of these recommended pollinators, you'll maximize the fruit production of your "Bless Your Heart" blueberry bush and enjoy a bountiful harvest.
HALF-HIGH BLUEBERRY BUSHES
XX
XX
LOW-BUSH BLUEBERRY BUSHES
XX
XX
Discover Our NEW Blueberry Bush Guide! 🫐
GROWING OUT THE BOX IS YOUR TRUSTED GARDENING PARTNER 🌱