Blueberry - Alapaha (Rabbit Eye)

Directions for Planting and Care

Planting and caring for your Blueberry - Alapaha (Rabbit Eye) is simple and rewarding, ensuring you enjoy a bountiful harvest of sweet, high-quality berries with minimal effort.

Planting

Select the Right Location: Choose a sunny spot in your garden where the Blueberry - Alapaha will receive full sunlight for at least 6-8 hours a day. This variety thrives in full sun, which is key for strong growth and a rich blueberry harvest.

Prepare the Soil: Alapaha Blueberries prefer well-drained, acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. If your soil is heavy or clay-based, mix in organic material such as peat moss or pine bark to improve both drainage and acidity.

Dig a Proper Hole: Dig a hole that is at least twice as wide as the root ball and approximately the same depth. This allows the roots to spread freely and establish themselves in the soil.

Plant the Blueberry: Gently remove the Alapaha Blueberry from its container and place it in the center of the hole. Ensure that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Lightly break up the root ball to encourage root growth before backfilling with soil.

Water Thoroughly: After planting, water the blueberry well to settle the soil and ensure the roots have sufficient moisture to begin growing.

Care

Regular Watering: Alapaha Blueberry requires consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruiting seasons. Keep the soil evenly moist but avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

Mulching: Apply a 3–4 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Make sure to keep mulch a couple of inches away from the plant's stem to allow for proper airflow.

Pruning: For the first three years, prune only dead or damaged wood. Once the plant matures, remove about one-quarter of the oldest canes each year to promote new growth and encourage fruiting. You can also lightly prune after harvest to keep the plant manageable.

Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants in early spring and after the harvest. Avoid using fertilizers with too much nitrogen, as this can encourage excessive leafy growth over fruit production.

The Blueberry - Alapaha (Rabbit Eye) is a great choice for gardeners looking to harvest early, high-quality berries. With its heat tolerance and robust growth, this blueberry variety thrives in warmer climates, offering you a reliable and beautiful addition to your garden.