The Best Month to Plant Blueberries in Alabama

Varieties

• In addition to Rabbiteye, Brightwell, Premier, Climax and Powderblue are good varieties to plant in Alabama gardens. In Northern Alabama, hardier highbush blueberry varieties may be a better choice. Highbush berries do well in raised gardens in South Alabama.

Cultivation

• Blueberries need full sun to produce prolifically and set the best quality fruit. Make sure the plants have well-drained, acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.2, and are planted at least 5 feet apart in the garden. Protect the plants from late frosts that may occur, especially in North Alabama.

When to Plant

• Plant container-grown nursery blueberries anytime from October to March. If the blueberries are bare-root, plant them between December and February. Once leaves begin to appear, protect the plants from frost.

Harvesting

• Although young blueberry plants may not produce fruit the first year, once they begin producing, you can begin picking fruit sometime between April and September. Rabbiteyes are ready in early June.