The Best Blueberry Plants for East Texas
Blueberry plants need to grow in acidic soil with a pH of 4.0 to 5.5. They grow best in full sun and well-drained soil with regular water. They are often grown in 30-to-40 gallon containers with potting soil enriched with peat moss. A mature blueberry plant can produce up to 15 lbs. of blueberries per season. There are southern and northern types of blueberries. The southern type is considered the best type to plant in East Texas. Plant at least three different varieties that produce berries at the same time for good cross-pollination.
- Blueberry plants need to grow in acidic soil with a pH of 4.0 to 5.5.
- They are often grown in 30-to-40 gallon containers with potting soil enriched with peat moss.
Tifblue
Tifblue is less likely to be damaged by cold weather as some of the other blueberry varieties. The berries produced are light blue and larger than the berries from other varieties. Tifblue produces berries in mid-late season, which is the first of July.
Climax
The Climax variety of blueberry plant produces blueberries early in the season, which is May. The flavorful berries hold their flavor for a longer time after planting than some of the other varieties. The Climax berry is a favorite to use in cooking, and the berries produced are large-to-medium size. Because of the early flowering schedule, blooms on the climax blueberry bush are susceptible to late freeze damage.
- Tifblue is less likely to be damaged by cold weather as some of the other blueberry varieties.
- The Climax variety of blueberry plant produces blueberries early in the season, which is May.
- The flavorful berries hold their flavor for a longer time after planting than some of the other varieties.
Woodard
Woodard produces a large, high-quality, slightly-tart berry. It is a reliable producer suitable for planting in warmer regions because it does not need very many hours of cold weather to encourage production. Woodard blueberry plants are larger than some other varieties and they produce berries in early-to-mid season.
Briteblue
Briteblue blueberry plants are mid-season producers of large, high-quality fruit. The plants are vigorous and fast growing, and are considered consistent producers.
& When To Plant Blueberry Trees
Winter is the best time to plant blueberry shrubs in a mild, Mediterranean climate. In areas where the ground freezes in winter, spring and fall are ideal planting times. Newly planted blueberry shrubs need lots of water while they become established. In general, it's a good idea to check the plants' soil daily during hot weather and to water the soil whenever it starts to dry. When planting a blueberry shrub, set it in the soil so that the bases of its stems are level with the natural soil line or slightly above the natural soil line. Soil pH is important for growing blueberry shrubs successfully. These acid-loving plants need a soil pH of 4.5 to 5.5. Using a soil test kit can help you determine the pH of your planting site's soil.
- Woodard produces a large, high-quality, slightly-tart berry.
- In areas where the ground freezes in winter, spring and fall are ideal planting times.
Related Articles
References
- Aggie Horticulture: Blueberries For Texas
- Aggie Horticulture: Rabbiteye Blueberries
- University of California, The California Garden Web: Growing Berries in Your Back Yard
- University of California, The California Garden Web: Blueberries
- Master Gardeners, Santa Clara County: Growing Blueberries in Santa Clara County
- Fine Gardening: Vaccinium Corymbosum (Highbush Blueberry)
- Monrovia: Sunshine Blue Blueberry Vaccinium x "Sunshine Blue" (Southern Highbush)
Writer Bio
Jay Golberg is a certified Texas nursery professional and professional project manager. He has 30 years of business and farming experience and holds bachelor's degrees in English writing from St. Edward's University and finance from Lamar University.
