Description
The Tifblue Blueberry is a vigorous grower that is resistant to disease, cold, heat, and drought. The shrubby trees grow to 8 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide. Tifblue Blueberries can be grown in the ground or in pots in USDA Growing Zones 7 to 9. Their white blooms form in March and the ripe Tifblue Blueberries are ready to pick and eat from mid-June through late July. The Tifblue Blueberry Tree grows heavy yields of small to medium-sized, juicy blueberries that are perfect for eating fresh, sharing, and making baked goods and desserts.
Tifblue Blueberry Trees require a pollinator companion blueberry to set and grow fruit, and many varieties will suffice. Good pollinators for Tifblue Blueberry include Pink Lemonade, Georgia Gem, Jersey, Blueray, Toro, Bluecrop, Climax, Powderblue, and Brightwell. Tifblue Blueberry Trees like full sun and well-drained acidic soil. Tifblue Blueberry Trees can be grown as a hedge or in a small grouping with other blueberry varieties.
Tree Care
Tifblue Blueberry Trees thrive in soil that drains well, is rich, and acidic. The ideal soil pH for growing Tifblue Blueberries is 4 to 5. Add elemental sulfur or rich compost to increase acidity if needed. Tifblue Blueberry bushes also like at least 2 or 3 inches of mulch to retain soil moisture and prevent weeds. Mulch with pine straw or oak leaves to slowly increase and maintain the soil acidity over time.
Prune Tifblue Blueberry Shrubs in late winter to remove dead or cracked branches and to maintain the plant’s desired height. Water newly planted Tifblue Blueberry Trees 2 or 3 times per week for the first 12 weeks, then once per week or when soil is dry to 2 inches deep. Tifblue Blueberry Trees can be susceptible to fungi that can damage new growth or blooms. Treat in spring and summer with horticultural oil or fungicide spray to prevent or remove fungi.
Fruit & Harvesting
The Tifblue Blueberry is a member of the Rabbiteye family of blueberries. They are a high-quality, firm, sweet, small to medium blueberry that is known for heavy yields. A healthy Tifblue Blueberry Tree growing in the recommended Zones of 7 to 9 can be expected to begin producing fruit after one or two years in the ground. Mature plants can deliver as much as 15 pounds of berries per year.
Pick Tifblue Blueberries by hand from June through July. Tifblue Blueberries are a nutritious treat that contains high levels of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C. They can be eaten fresh, used to make pies and cakes, added to cereal and salads, and made into preserves for long-term keeping. Blueberries can also be frozen and added to smoothies for a nutrient kick.
Advice
Tifblue Blueberry Bushes require a companion blueberry for cross-pollination in order to grow fruit. This is true for both in-ground and container-grown Tifblue Blueberries. If you are growing a Tifblue Blueberry Tree in a pot, select a compatible pollinator and grow both containerized blueberries within ten feet of each other. Fertilize potted blueberry plants in early March, late May, and early August.
Plant Tifblue Blueberry Trees in the ground in spring after all chances of frost. Clear the ground of all grass and weeds in an area about six feet in diameter. In the center of the cleared circle, dig a hole that is as deep and twice as wide as the rootball of the existing plant. Water new trees in well and mulch the area with organic material such as leaves, pine straw, or wood chips.
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