Premier Blueberries are large, sweet, deep-blue blueberries that grow on shrubby bushes that grow to 8 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide. They grow well in USDA Zones 7 to 9, and only need 500 chill hours (hours below 45º Fahrenheit) to make fruit. The Premier Blueberry Bushes can also tolerate hot summers. The plants require very little maintenance, are resistant to many pests, and need not be pruned.
Premier Blueberries were originally developed at North Carolina State University and released to the public in 1978. Premier Blueberries are Rabbiteye Type Blueberries and can be pollinated by Powderblue or other varieties. Premier Blueberries do well in the ground or in a pot and they need 6 hours or more direct sunlight each day for best results. The bushes bloom in spring and the blueberries are ripe from May to June.
Premier Blueberry Bushes have an upright growth habit. Their foliage is a medium green that turns a red-orange in fall. They do not require pruning, but can be pruned to keep them at a smaller size. Prune Premier Blueberry Bushes in late winter before new spring growth emerges. Mulch Premier Blueberry Bushes with pine straw or other organic material to help the soil retain moisture and to slow the growth of weeds and grass around the bush base.
Plant Premier Blueberry Bushes with 10 feet of growing space. Choose a spot that gets 6 hours or more of direct sunlight each day in the spring and summer months. Premier Blueberry Bushes will grow in partial shade, but the more sunlight they get the more berries they will grow. Water new blueberry plants once per week for their first year. Fertilize Premier Blueberry Bushes with fruit and vegetable fertilizer once every three months from early spring through the end of summer.
Fruit & Harvesting
Since Premier Blueberries are large they are best for picking by hand which makes them well-suited to home gardens. Pick the berries starting in May when they are slightly soft, powdery blue, juicy, and sweet. As Premier Blueberries ripen they will grow softer on the bush. The softer berries are good for eating out of hand, but slightly more sturdy, younger berries are better for refrigeration and storing for up to a week or two.
Premier Blueberry Bushes are heavy producers. A full grown bush grown with a pollinator can produce pounds of fresh blueberries each season. The sweet juicy berries are good for eating fresh, making cobblers, jellies, juices, and muffins. Premier Blueberries can also be frozen for use in baking and blended drinks. Premier Blueberries are high in vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, and minerals.
Growing Zones
Advice
Premier Blueberry Bush roots tend to be shallow growing, so it is a good practice to protect them with mulch. Be careful to not overwater Premier Blueberry Bushes, and only plant them in soil that drains well. The ideal soil for these Blueberry Bushes is rich in organic matter and has a pH of 4.5 to 5.5. You can increase soil acidity by adding pine straw, oak leaves, or pine bark to the soil and mulch.
Premier Blueberry Bushes are cold hardy down to 10º F, but can benefit from some protective winter measures. Be sure to harvest all berries at the end of the growing season, and add a thick layer of mulch around the shrub in late fall. Heavy organic mulch, such as 6 to 8 inches of leaves, can help protect shallow roots from severe cold and frost. This material will also slowly break down to feed the plants over time.
FAQs
How do you know when Premier Blueberries are ripe?
Premier Blueberries are ripe between May and June when the fruits are powder-blue, juicy, and sweet. If the fruit is dry or sour, wait another week and try them again.
How cold-hardy are Premier Blueberry Bushes?
Premier Blueberry Bushes are cold hardy down to 10º Fahrenheit.
Can a Premier Blueberry Bush be grown in a pot?
Premier Blueberry Bushes can be grown and will produce fruit in containers as long as the plants are given as much direct sun as possible, and they get at least 500 chill hours per year.
Can a Premier Blueberry Bush be transplanted to move to another location?
Premier Blueberry Bushes have shallow, wide root systems. Once planted it is far better to leave them in their home. If you must transplant an in-ground Premier Blueberry, prune it first, then dig the plant up with a hole at least 4 feet out from the base on all sides, and one to two feet deep. Slide the root ball onto a tarp to move the plant, then plant and water immediately.
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