Deciding on the good change of blueberry bush to grow is a two - step physical process for Tennesseans . The first step is to determine which type of blueberry bush – northern highbush , Vaccinium ashei or southern highbush – to grow , and which type is substantially grow in your surface area . Once this option has been made , the next step is to choose a couple of cultivar that are known to produce and produce well in Tennessee . More than one variety of blueberry bush is usually need since southern highbush and rabbiteye are not self - pollinating .

Northern Highbush Blueberries

northerly highbush blueberries require cooler temperature and reproducible watering or rainfall . They are best grown in the higher elevations such as those found in the Appalachian Mountains . If grown in the humbled ranges , frequent irrigation will be required .

The effective former season sort for Tennessee include Duke , Bluetta , Collins and Patriot . Midseason varieties good for Tennessee include Blueray , Berkeley , Bluecrop , Bluejay and Spartan . recent season varieties that are in force include Herbert , Jersey , Darrow , Elliott and Earliblue .

Rabbiteye Blueberries

Rabbiteye blueberry ( Vaccinium ashei ) are a dear choice for those live in the lower acme of southerly Tennessee . They are more drought and heat patient of then northerly highbush , but also more susceptible to icing . Rabbiteye bring about a smaller , sweeter berry then highbush . For best issue , the University of Tennessee suggests mulching around rabbiteye bushes so as to keep a reproducible moisture level .

Early time of year variety that are good for Tennessee let in Garden Blue , Austin , Brighwell , Premier and Woodward . former - mid season varieties that are near include Climax , Southland and Tifblue . Midseason varieties that are worthy admit Bluebelle , Brightblue ( Briteblue ) , Chaucer and Powderblue .

Southern Highbush Blueberries

The southern highbush blueberry ( Vaccinium corymbosum x Vaccinium darrowi ) is a relatively new crossbreed , which means that not a lot of information is usable about the overall productivity of its varieties . concord to Felder Rushing and Walter Reeve , in their book " The Tennessee Fruit and Vegetable Book , " it is unfearing to USDA Zones 7a and warmer , which means it should only be farm in area of southerly Tennessee . Since it efflorescence and fruits before than both the highbush or rabbiteye varieties , it is more susceptible to frost .

Rushing and Reeve state of matter that Cape Fear , Legacy and O’Neal are estimable pick for early season blueberries , while Blue Ridge and Summit are good pick for midseason blueberries .

References

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