University of Florida Plant Information Southern Highbush Blueberry Cultivars from the University of Florida

HS1245

Blueberries are native to eastern North America and are one of the few crop plants that originated here. The woods and swamps of Florida are populated with at least eight wild blueberry species, including highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum), and evergreen blueberry (Vaccinium darrowii). Wild blueberries are present nearly everywhere in Florida, except in areas where soil pH is above 6.0. This publication provides historical background on southern highbush blueberries (SHB) and information on specific UF/IFAS cultivars that can be a helpful resource for SHB growers. The intended audience is primarily Florida commercial blueberry growers but also commercial growers in other locations growing UF/IFAS cultivars. Table 1 provides information on plant and berry characteristics for selected cultivars.

1. This document is HS1245, one of a series of the Department of Horticultural Sciences, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date March 2014. Revised February 2019, September 2022, and October 2024. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication. J. W. Olmstead and G. K. England contributed to earlier versions of this publication.

2. D. A. Phillips, blueberry Extension coordinator, UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center; J. G. Williamson, professor; P. M. Lyrene, professor emeritus; and P. R. Munoz, associate professor, Department of Horticultural Sciences; UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.