Southern Highbush Blueberry Plants

Low-chill, heat-tolerant blueberries for Southern and warm-region growers.

Southern Highbush blueberries bring some of the nation’s most popular commercial varieties right to your backyard. Selected for their low chill requirements (often just a few hundred hours) and heat tolerance, these plants thrive where summer temperatures run high — especially in USDA Zones 5–10.

• Climate adaptable: Performs well in warmer regions with mild winters
• Low pH preference: Best in acidic soils (pH 4.5–5.5)
• Drought tolerance: Handles heat and dry spells better than Northern Highbush types
• Early harvest: Typically ripens in early to mid-summer, often in June in warm zones
• Self-pollinating: One plant will fruit, but yields improve with a second Southern Highbush variety nearby

Planting & Care Tips

• Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hours daily) for maximum berry production
• Soil: Acidic, well-drained soil; amend as needed to reach ideal pH
• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during fruit development
• Mulching: Apply mulch year-round for moisture retention and weed control; in colder zones, mulch helps protect roots in winter
• Containers: Compact growth makes these varieties well-suited for container gardening in patios or small spaces

Harvest & Use

Expect impressive yields of firm, flavorful blueberries perfect for:

• Fresh eating straight from the bush
• Baking, preserves, and desserts
• Freezing for smoothies and year-round enjoyment
• Adding antioxidants and flavor to your diet

Why Choose Southern Highbush?

Compared to Northern Highbush, Southern Highbush varieties:

• Require fewer chill hours, making them ideal for warmer climates
• Can be more drought-tolerant and heat-resilient
• Often ripen earlier in the season, extending the harvest period

Pro Tip: Pair with another Southern Highbush variety to boost pollination and yields.
Learn more about how to grow Southern Highbush Blueberry Plants.