blueberry blossoms

The University of Florida IFAS extension offers an informative web page on growing blueberries.  All your blueberry questions can be answered here!

Allow me to give you a few tidbits of information that I've gleaned from UF's helpful website.

Did you know?  Blueberries are native to North America.  It's true.

blueberry flowers

The Florida woods and swamps contain at least eight naturally growing blueberry species.  There isn't an area in Florida that is without wild blueberries, unless the soil pH is above 6.


If you are a Florida resident -- rabbiteye and southern highbush varieties are what you want. We are growing three different rabbiteye blueberries in our yard: tifblue, powderblue, and premier.  Cross pollination is needed to maximize blueberry bearing.  You must have at least two different types of rabbiteyes or, two different southern highbush berries for cross pollination.

Our latest addition - the four small boxes (one box raspberries, the other three blueberries).  All are a bit bare right now as it is "winter."

Blueberries require and thrive on a soil pH of 4.0–5.5.  I used a simple and inexpensive tool to check the soil pH.  Manure is a no-no for blueberries as it raises the pH.  Our soil is made up of about 1/2 top soil, 1/2 peat moss.

baby blueberry

We should see some berries this Summer!  Let's see.