Southern Highbush Blueberry

---

The Pink Icing blueberry is part of the Bushel and Berry® series, known for its compact size and ornamental value. It's a Southern Highbush type and, like other blueberries in this series, is marketed as self-fertile. However, cross-pollination will still significantly improve fruit set and yield.

Here's what to consider for pollinating Pink Icing:

• Best options: Because it's a Southern Highbush, other Southern Highbush varieties are the best choices for cross-pollination. Here are some good options that should have overlapping bloom times:
  • 'Star': A reliable and productive Southern Highbush that is a good all-around pollinator.
  • 'Emerald': Another good choice with potentially overlapping bloom times, especially in warmer climates.
  • 'Jewel': This variety also has a similar bloom time and can be a good pollinator for Pink Icing.
  • Other Bushel and Berry® varieties: Since Pink Icing is part of this series, other varieties from the same series are likely to be good pollinators. Some to consider are 'Midnight Cascade', 'Peach Sorbet', and 'Sapphire Cascade'.
• Why cross-pollination is still beneficial: Even though Pink Icing is self-fertile, cross-pollination offers several advantages:
  • Increased fruit set: More flowers will develop into fruit.
  • Larger berries: The berries tend to be bigger when cross-pollinated.   
  • More consistent yields: You'll have more reliable harvests year after year.

Key things to remember:

• Bloom time overlap: This is still important, even with self-fertile varieties. Choose a pollinator that blooms around the same time as your Pink Icing.
• Genetic compatibility: Stick to other Southern Highbush varieties for the best results.
• Chill hours: Since Pink Icing is a Southern Highbush, it has low chill hour requirements. Make sure your chosen pollinator has similar needs.   
• Proximity: Plant the pollinator within 50 feet of your Pink Icing bush for the best pollination.

In summary: While Pink Icing will produce some fruit on its own, planting a compatible Southern Highbush pollinator like 'Star', 'Emerald', 'Jewel', or another Bushel and Berry® variety will significantly improve your harvest in terms of quantity and berry size.

The Sharpblue blueberry is a Southern Highbush variety, so it's essential to pair it with other Southern Highbush blueberries for optimal cross-pollination.

Here are some of the best choices:   

• 'Star': This is a very popular and reliable Southern Highbush variety that blooms around the same time as Sharpblue. It's known for its consistent production and good flavor, making it an excellent choice for cross-pollination.
• 'O'Neal': Another good option with a comparable bloom time to Sharpblue. 'O'Neal' is a proven producer in the South and is often used commercially.
• 'Emerald': This early-season Southern Highbush can work well with Sharpblue, especially if you're in an area with a longer bloom season. It can extend the pollination window.

Key things to remember when choosing pollinators for Sharpblue:

• Bloom time overlap: This is crucial. Ensure the chosen pollinator blooms around the same time as Sharpblue for effective pollen transfer.
• Genetic compatibility: Stick to other Southern Highbush varieties for optimal results.
• Chill hours: Southern Highbush varieties like Sharpblue have lower chill hour requirements than Northern Highbush, making them suitable for warmer climates. Make sure your chosen pollinator has similar chill hour needs.   
• Proximity: Plant the pollinator within 50 feet of your Sharpblue blueberry bush for the best 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 Sharpblue blueberry bush.

 The Springhigh blueberry is a Southern Highbush variety, so it's crucial to pair it with other Southern Highbush blueberries for optimal cross-pollination.

Here are some of the best choices:   

• 'Emerald': This is often considered a good pollinator for Springhigh, as they tend to bloom around the same time and have good genetic compatibility.
• 'Jewel': Another good option that has a similar bloom time to Springhigh. It's known for its excellent flavor and good production.
• 'Star': This is another reliable Southern Highbush variety that can effectively pollinate Springhigh.

Key things to remember when choosing pollinators for Springhigh:

• Bloom time overlap: This is crucial. Ensure the chosen pollinator blooms around the same time as Springhigh for effective pollen transfer.
• Genetic compatibility: Stick to other Southern Highbush varieties for optimal results.
• Chill hours: Southern Highbush varieties like Springhigh have lower chill hour requirements than Northern Highbush, making them suitable for warmer climates. Make sure your chosen pollinator has similar chill hour needs.
• Proximity: Plant the pollinator within 50 feet of your Springhigh blueberry bush for the best 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 Springhigh blueberry bush.

The Sunrise blueberry is a Southern Highbush variety, so it's essential to pair it with other Southern Highbush blueberries for optimal cross-pollination. Unfortunately, information specifically about the Sunrise blueberry and its ideal pollinators is limited compared to more common varieties.

However, based on its classification as a Southern Highbush, we can make some educated recommendations:

• 'Star': This is a very popular and reliable Southern Highbush variety that often blooms around the same time as many Southern Highbush types. It's known for its consistent production and good flavor, making it a strong candidate for cross-pollination.   
• 'Emerald': This early-season Southern Highbush could work well with Sunrise, especially if Sunrise also blooms relatively early or if you're in an area with a longer bloom season. It can extend the pollination window.
• 'Jewel': Another good option that has a generally similar bloom time to many Southern Highbush varieties.

Key things to remember when choosing pollinators for Sunrise:

• Bloom time overlap: This is crucial. Since specific bloom time information for Sunrise is scarce, observing its bloom time in your specific location will be important. Choose a pollinator that blooms concurrently.
• Genetic compatibility: Stick to other Southern Highbush varieties for optimal results.
• Chill hours: Southern Highbush varieties like Sunrise have lower chill hour requirements than Northern Highbush, making them suitable for warmer climates. Make sure your chosen pollinator has similar chill hour needs.
• Proximity: Plant the pollinator within 50 feet of your Sunrise blueberry bush for the best pollination.

Recommendation:

If possible, contact local nurseries or blueberry experts in your area. They may have more specific information about the Sunrise variety and its ideal pollinators in your particular climate. Since it's less common, local knowledge will be especially valuable.

By following these guidelines and potentially seeking local advice, you'll increase the chances of a successful and bountiful harvest from your Sunrise blueberry bush.

The Sweetheart Blueberry Bush is a unique variety that offers a delightful combination of sweet berries, a long fruiting season, and adaptability to various climates. Here's a breakdown of its key characteristics, including bloom time, ripening period, and suitable cross-pollinators: 

Bloom Time:

• Late: Sweetheart blooms later in the spring compared to many other blueberry varieties. This can be beneficial for avoiding late frosts and extending the overall bloom period in your blueberry patch.

Ripening Period:

• Early and Late: Sweetheart is a unique double-cropping variety, meaning it produces two harvests of berries each year. The first crop ripens early in the season, typically in late May or early June, while the second crop ripens later, usually in August. This extended fruiting season allows you to enjoy fresh blueberries for a longer period. 

Cross-Pollinators:

• Partially Self-Fertile: While Sweetheart can produce some fruit on its own, it benefits significantly from cross-pollination with another blueberry variety. This leads to better fruit set, larger berries, and higher yields. 
• Suitable Cross-Pollinators:  Since Sweetheart is a hybrid with both Northern and Southern Highbush parentage, it can be cross-pollinated with varieties from either type. Some good options include: 
  • Northern Highbush:  Legacy, Bluecrop, Duke, Earliblue 
  • Southern Highbush:  Ozarkblue, O'Neal, Sunshine Blue

Other Notable Features:

• Large Berries:  Sweetheart produces medium to large-sized berries with a sweet and delicious flavor. 
• Cold Hardy and Heat Tolerant: It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5-8, making it suitable for various climates. 
• Vigorous Growth:  It's a robust and easy-to-grow plant with high yields and good disease resistance. 

Overall, the Sweetheart Blueberry Bush is an excellent choice for gardeners who want a long fruiting season, delicious berries, and a plant that can adapt to a range of climates. By planting it with a suitable cross-pollinator, you can maximize its yield and enjoy an abundance of sweet blueberries throughout the summer and into the fall.