How to Grow Blueberries in Florida

Updated June 2026

Florida grows excellent blueberries, but only the right low-chill types in the right acidic soil. Plant the wrong variety and you will get a healthy bush and no fruit.

Blueberries are a North and Central Florida crop (they need some winter chill, so they are not a South Florida fruit). Success comes down to two things: low-chill varieties bred for Florida, and acidic soil.

🌱 Plant profile: Blueberry, with sowing times for your region, companion plants and common pests.

When to plant

Plant container blueberries in winter (Dec to Feb) so roots establish before spring growth. They fruit from April into summer depending on type and region.

Varieties for Florida

• Southern Highbush ('Emerald', 'Jewel', 'Star', 'Florida Brilliance'): low-chill, early, best for Central and North Florida.
• Rabbiteye ('Climax', 'Powderblue', 'Brightwell'): vigorous and reliable in North Florida; needs two varieties to cross-pollinate.

How to grow them

• Soil and pH: blueberries demand acidic, well-drained, organic soil. Test your pH; lower it with elemental sulfur and plant into a generous pine-bark amended bed or raised bed.
• Pollination: plant at least two compatible varieties for good fruit set, especially Rabbiteyes.
• Water and mulch: shallow roots need steady moisture and a thick pine-straw or bark mulch; never let them dry out.
• Feed: use an acid-forming (azalea/camellia) fertilizer, lightly and often.

Pests and problems

Birds are the biggest threat at ripening, so net the bushes. Watch for spotted-wing drosophila in fruit and root issues in soggy soil. Good drainage and airflow prevent most disease.

Harvest

Pick berries fully blue and slightly soft; they sweeten in the last days on the bush. A mature bush produces for several weeks each year.

Source: UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions, Blueberries; UF/IFAS blueberry gardener's guide.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant blueberries where you garden.

See also: Blueberries in the plant library →

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