Blueberry Variety Descriptions and Planting Guide

Blueberries are some of the easiest fruit you can grow in your home garden. Generally disease and pest free, they have a few simple requirements. Blueberries (Vaccinum ashei) need full sun and rich, well drained, acidic soil with a PH between 4.5-5.2. In order to maintain acidity, use a slow release fertilizer, which is the same as for azaleas, camellias or evergreens. We recommend Holly Tone from Espoma. Fertilizer should be applied when spring growth begins to appear, and again after harvest.

Blueberries may be planted at any time of the year, preferably between autumn and late winter. Prepare your bed by adding enriched topsoil as raised beds offer the best drainage, and contain compost and other soil components that are rich and nutritious. Dig your hole at least two times the width of the root ball, and plant so that the bush is at the same soil level as it was in the pot, no deeper. Water plants deeply when planting and throughout the growing season. Inadequate water during fruiting will lead to small, wrinkly fruits.

Occasional pruning is recommended to keep yields high and plants vigorous. Fruit is produced on 1 year old wood, so older canes may be pruned to promote vitality of newer growth. Pruning branches that cross or grow laterally will keep shrubs attractive. Pruning may also be done to increase sunlight and air circulation within the plant.

It’s important to choose varieties that are well adapted to Southwest Tennessee. Dutch Garden Center offers southern grown varieties that are recommended for home gardeners. Two varieties are usually needed to cross pollinate. Planting several varieties will give you a longer harvesting season. 

Delite: Ripens mid to late July. Medium sized fruits and good flavor. Often used in   “pick your own” operations. Pollinate with any other variety.

Premier: Ripens early to mid season, earlier than most other mid season varieties. Large fruits with excellent flavor and color. Brightwell & Climax are recommended as pollinators.

Tifblue: Ripens mid to late season. Medium sized fruit with good flavor. Tifblue is one of the oldest cultivars still planted today. Brightwell is recommended for pollinating.

Brightwell: Fruit ripens early to mid June. Reliable & vigorous with medium sized fruit & excellent flavor. Premier & Tifblue are good pollinators.

Climax: Early fruiting, around the middle of June. Berries have excellent flavor, and have long been used in “pick your own” operations. Premier is a good pollinator.