Snowchaser Blueberry Plants grow slightly spreading shrubs that are suited for USDA Zones 6 to 9, and have a very low chill requirement at only 100 to 200 chill hours (annual hours below 45º Fahrenheit). The blueberries are medium sized, firm, and have a sweet, crisp blueberry flavor. In most areas where Snowchaser Blueberry Plants can be grown outdoors, their berries ripen between early April and May. Snowchaser Blueberry Bushes should be protected from frost, but overall the plants are vigorous.
Snowchaser Blueberry Plants are the earliest ripening among the Southern Highbush Blueberries. The plants like consistently moist soil that drains well but does not dry out between watering. Snowchaser Blueberry Plants grow to a height of 10 feet and a width of 7 to 8 feet. They have medium green foliage, white flowers in mid spring, and prefer vey acidic soil. This seedling cross out of the University of Florida has become a favorite in edible landscapes where growers are looking for an early blueberry with low chill requirements.
Snowchaser Blueberry Plants need very acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 or below. Choose a spot with full sun or partial shade. Test the soil using a garden center soil test kit, and adjust accordingly. Amend the ground to be planted within 4 feet surrounding the planting hole, and to a depth of at least 2 feet. Once the soil is near or below a pH of 4.5, plant Snowchaser Blueberry Plants in spring by digging holes that are twice the width and the same depth as the plant’s root ball. Water new plants in well and water weekly until new growth appears.
Mulch Snowchaser Blueberry Bushes with sphagnum peat moss and pine straw to help slowly add acidity to the soil while stopping weeds and retaining soil moisture. Snowchaser Blueberry Plants perform best when soil does not become extremely dry between watering. Since the plants also like full sun, it is common for new plants to need more water than established blueberry bushes (younger bushes will not shade the ground as much). Water with a soaker hose or drip system once per week and allow the ground to become moist around the plant base.
Fruit & Harvesting
Snowchaser Blueberry Plants bloom white flowers in early fall and the berries begin to ripen in spring. In the warmest areas of Zones 8 and 9, Snowchaser Blueberries often ripen in April. Harvest blueberries by hand and store refrigerated for up to a week or two. Blueberries can also be frozen or canned for long-term storage. Snowchaser Blueberries left on the plant for too long will begin to over ripen, split, or fall off. Harvest ripening berries twice per week or more in the growing season.
Snowchaser Blueberries are good for eating fresh, or in any recipe that calls for fresh or frozen blueberries. The large sweet berries are used for jam, pies, muffins, and smoothies. They are perfect for adding to cereal, ice cream, and even green salads. Not only are blueberries a sweet treat, they are also loaded with vitamins C, D, and A, potassium, iron, calcium, protein, and fiber so they are good for you too.
Growing Zones
Advice
Snowchaser Blueberry Plants are shallow rooted. They require a combination of well drained soil, and consistent moisture. To achieve this, most edible landscape gardeners employ a blend of mulch and low-flow watering to keep the plants from drying out without flooding the roots. Avoid planting Snowchaser Blueberry Plants in soil that is heavy in clay, or in areas where standing water is common.
Do not plant Snowchaser Blueberry Plants too deeply, because soil covering the woody trunk bases of the plants can cause rotting. Plant so that the surface of the potted plant’s root ball is even with the ground once planted. Space Snowchaser Blueberry Plants 4 to 5 feet apart in full sun or partial shade. Fertilize with fruit or vegetable fertilizer once every 3 months from late fall through mid summer.
FAQs
Can Snowchaser Blueberries be grown in pots?
Snowchaser Blueberries are perfect for growing in pots as long as the container drains well and the plants get enough sun. Grow 2 or 3 potted Snowchaser Blueberry Plants on a patio and enjoy the thrill of eating fresh berries throughout spring and beyond.
How big do Snowchaser Blueberry Bushes get?
Snowchaser Blueberry Bushes grow to a height of 8 to 10 feet and a width of 4 to 6 feet.
How cold-hardy are Snowchaser Blueberry Bushes?
Snowchaser Blueberry Bushes are cold hardy and can take temperatures as low as 10ºF in their winter dormancy period.
Do Snowchaser Blueberry Plants require pollinators to grow fruit?
Snowchaser Blueberry Bushes can grow fruit alone, but will grow many more berries with another Highbush Blueberry pollinator or two.
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