How to Grow Blueberries in Florida

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.

When to plant

Plant container blueberries in winter (Dec-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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