Blueberry - Ochlockonee (Rabbit Eye)

Directions for Planting and Care

Planting and caring for your Ochlockonee Blueberry is simple and rewarding, ensuring a fruitful harvest year after year:

Planting

Select the Right Location: Choose a sunny spot in your garden that receives full sunlight throughout the day. Ochlockonee Blueberries thrive in full sun, which is essential for maximum fruit production.

Prepare the Soil: The soil should be acidic and well-draining, with a pH of 4.5–5.5. To improve soil quality, amend it with organic matter like pine bark or compost if needed.

Dig a Proper Hole: Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth. This will allow the roots to spread and establish properly.

Plant the Blueberry: Gently remove the plant from its container and place it in the center of the hole, ensuring that the top of the root system is level with the surrounding ground. Backfill with the original soil, gently pressing it down to remove any air pockets.

Water Thoroughly: After planting, give the bush a thorough watering to settle the soil around the roots and provide moisture for healthy growth.

Care

Regular Watering: Water the Ochlockonee Blueberry regularly, particularly during dry spells. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, as blueberries prefer consistent moisture, especially during fruiting.

Mulching: Apply a 4-6 inch layer of mulch (such as pine bark or oak leaves) around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Ensure the mulch is kept a few inches away from the trunk for good air circulation.

Pruning: Prune the plant lightly each year, especially when it reaches maturity. In the first few years, remove any dead or diseased branches and cut back leggy growth to encourage bushier development. Once established, prune one-quarter of the oldest canes annually to promote new growth and better yields.

Fertilization: Apply an acid-loving plant fertilizer in early spring and again after the harvest. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can damage the roots and promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of berries.

The Ochlockonee Blueberry is a fantastic choice for gardeners in the southeastern United States, offering high yields of delicious berries, with a late-season harvest that extends your blueberry picking season. Its adaptability to warm climates and ease of care make it an excellent addition to your garden or orchard, delivering an abundance of sweet fruit for fresh eating, baking, or preserving.