Blueberry Varieties: Southern Highbush

A new category of blueberries, Southern Highbush, has been developed for southern production. These varieties combine the late blooming date and shorter ripening period of the northern highbush and the low chill hours and adaptability to the southern environment of the rabbiteye.

This combination results in a blueberry plant that blooms late to escape the possibility of frost damage to the flowers but matures its fruit by mid-May, at least two weeks earlier than rabbiteye. Southern highbush varieties include the following:

• Biloxi,

• Bluecrisp,

• Blue Suede,

• Jubilee,

• Magnolia,

• Misty,

• O’Neal,

• Ozarkblue,

• Pearl River

• Santa Fe,

• Southmoon,

• Star, and

• Summit

References:

• Braswell, John. Fruit and Nut Review: Blueberries. Mississippi State University Cooperative Extension Service. 2008. Retrieved 03 March 2010.
• Himelrick, David G. Home Blueberry Production in Louisiana. LSU AgCenter. 1978. Retrieved 03 March 2010.

Contacts:

  Elina Coneva, Auburn University

  David Himelrick, LSU AgCenter