Rabbiteye Blueberry Planting Guide
Heat-tolerant blueberry type for the Southeast and warmer zones; needs cross-pollination from another rabbiteye variety
Flavor notes: Sweet-tart berry flavor; chill and heat tolerance vary by type.
Variety notes: Heat-tolerant Southeast type; plant compatible cultivars.
Best Time and Place to Plant Blueberry
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to April 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Rabbiteye Blueberry in a spot with 7+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 50F to 80F, and enough room for 72 inches between plants and 120 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Not recommended to Not recommended | Varies |
| Zone 2 | Cold-hardy varieties only to Cold-hardy varieties only | Varies |
| Zone 3 | Not recommended to Not recommended | Varies |
| Zone 4 | Not recommended to Not recommended | Varies |
| Zone 5 | March 25 to April 25 | October 1 to November 1 |
| Zone 6 | March 15 to April 15 | October 10 to November 10 |
| Zone 7 | March 1 to April 1 | October 20 to November 30 |
| Zone 8 | February 15 to March 20 | November 1 to December 15 |
| Zone 9 | January 15 to March 1 | November 15 to January 15 |
| Zone 10 | Low-chill varieties only to Low-chill varieties only | Varies |
| Zone 11 | Not recommended to Not recommended | Varies |
| Zone 12 | Not recommended to Not recommended | Varies |
| Zone 13 | Not recommended to Not recommended | Varies |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: Plant nursery bushes at pot depth in acidic, well-drained soil; plant at least two rabbiteye cultivars together.
- Spacing: 72 inches apart, 120 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 50F to 80F
- Sunlight: 7+ hours
- Watering: Water deeply through establishment and during summer fruit development
- Days to harvest: 80
Fertilization
- Acid-loving plant fertilizer synthetic: Apply lightly in spring after growth starts
- Pine bark mulch organic: Maintain 3-4 inches in a wide ring
- Compost organic: Use only low-pH compost in thin top-dressings
Companion Plants
- Azaleas
- Rhododendrons
- Pine bark mulch
- Thyme
Avoid Planting Near
- Brassicas
- Lavender
- High-pH soil plants
Harvest Signs
- Berries are fully blue and detach easily
- Fruit sweetens if left a few days after turning blue
- Skin has a powdery bloom
- Pick in several passes as clusters mature
FAQs
When should I plant Blueberry?
Blueberry planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to April 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Blueberry?
The best time of year to plant Blueberry is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 50F to 80F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to April 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Blueberry?
Plant Rabbiteye Blueberry in a spot with 7+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 50F to 80F, and enough room for 72 inches between plants and 120 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Blueberry?
Plant Blueberry about 72 inches apart, with rows around 120 inches apart.
What grows well with Blueberry?
Blueberry is commonly paired with Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Pine bark mulch, Thyme.