Rabbiteye Blueberry | Vaccinium ashei
General Info
Rabbiteye Blueberries are very popular in zones 7-10. Known for their fast growth, they can grow to maturity in 10 years, reaching 10-15’ tall and 8-10’ wide. The demand for this heavy bearing bush-tree is exceeding our production. Abundant fruit are borne from the newest years growth and depending on the variety you can expect a dime to nickle size berry.
Soils, Fertility, and Mulching
Blueberries like acid soils with a PH from 4.0-5.5 for optimal growth. Good soil media is very important due the roots living close to the soil line. Mulching and an adequate water source is needed to produce maximum output. Invest in a high-quality acid fertilizer several times a year starting in spring through fall to keep the plants healthy and berries coming. 1 ounce of Ammonium Sulfate should be applied year 2 and increase an extra 1 ounce each year thereafter. Our professional potting soil is a good choice to incorporate in each hole before planting. After planting, heavy mulch helps keep the surface roots cool and conserves moisture in the soil.
Pollination
For best results we recommended having at least 3 different varieties for pollination purposes. Bees are very critical for cross pollination, so it is highly advisable to add plants to your property that attract beneficial pollinators.
Water Needs
Blueberries should never be allowed to dry. It is recommended to water ½ gallon of water per day when the plant is actively growing the first year and add an additional ½ gallon per day the following year, (1 gallon). At year 5, 5 gallons a day or 35 gallons per week is recommended. Hydration equals plump good fruits.
Harvest
It is important to let the berries ripen on the stem. Be patient when picking too early. Taste test is best way to determine ripeness.
Size of plants
Our Blueberries are grown in 3 gallon containers ranging from 2-3 feet tall and are full bushes.
Varieties available:
Brightwell
- fast grower
- heavy producer
- large fruit,
- midseason producer
Georgia Gem
- fast grower
- moderate producer
- medium size fruit, sweet tasting
- self-fertile, pollinator recommended
Powder Blue
- fast grower
- high yielding, berries are produced in clusters making easy picking
- Mid-season producer
Premier
- fast grower
- large fruit
- high quality and high production
- Mid-season producer
Tiftblue
- most widely variety used
- fast grower
- large fruit
- mid-late season producer
- very cold hardy
Ordering
Our processing time usually is 1-3 days after receiving the order. Orders taken after 4:00 pm on Wednesday through Sunday will be shipped the following Monday.
Shipping
The Plant Factory, Inc. offers the very best shipping processes to ensure quick, safe, and near-perfect results every time. Cold and heat may deter your order temporarily until it is safe to receive and plant your plants/trees in your area. At our discretion, we will hold order till the threat is gone ensuring you with the healthiest-viable product ordered.
Summer - Above 95 degrees | Winter - Below 34 degrees
- Deer Resistant: No
- Pet Friendly: Yes
- Reblooming: No
- Pollinator friendly: Yes
- Cold and Heat Tolerant: Yes
Note: We put pictures and videos on our site to best represent our products, as an example of our quality as a grower. You may, however receive a smaller or larger plant than pictured depending on the season you buy. You may or may not get a plant blooming as shown on our site. We usually trim off blooms because they do not ship well. Your purchase of our plants should be considered an investment in your future garden and enjoy the process of growing it to its full potential.
Why The Plant Factory, Inc is a good choice?
Our plants are grown at our nursery, not staged in a holding yard unattended. Our experienced staff use the best horticultural practices to ensure our plants are of the utmost health and quality. We select your plants as if we were buying them ourselves. Our standard goals are to exceed our customers’ expectations. We pride ourselves for great “out of the box” experiences with hassle-free customer service and quick resolutions.
