Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) are a native fruit crop to Florida and can be grown in a food forest in central Florida. They are known for their sweet and juicy fruit, high nutritional value, and the fact that they are very easy to grow.
When choosing varieties of blueberries to grow in your food forest, consider selecting a cultivar that is well-suited to the specific growing conditions in your area. Some native Florida blueberry varieties include:
Rabbiteye blueberries (Vaccinium ashei) and Southern Highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum x V. darrowii) are two types of blueberries that are well-suited to growing in different parts of Florida.
Rabbiteye blueberries are native to the southeastern United States and are well-suited to growing in zones 7-9. They are known for their tolerance to heat and humidity, and they require a longer chilling period (500-800 hours) than other blueberry varieties. They are also more tolerant to soil pH, and can tolerate soil pH between 5.0 to 6.5. These varieties are also known for their high yield, and good fruit size and quality.
Southern Highbush blueberries, on the other hand, are a hybrid of the Northern Highbush blueberry and the Rabbiteye blueberry, developed to be more cold hardy and adaptable to milder climates. They are well-suited to growing in zones 7-9 and require less chilling hours (150-300 hours) than other blueberry varieties. They are also more tolerant of various soil pH and can tolerate soil pH between 4.5 to 6.5.
In central Florida, both varieties of blueberries could be grown, but Southern Highbush blueberries may have a slight advantage as they require less chilling hours in the more southern parts. It is best to check with local extension service or a local nursery to get information on which varieties would be the best fit for your specific area.
Blueberries prefer more acidic, well-drained soil, full sun, and regular watering. When planting blueberries, it’s important to space the plants about 4-5 feet apart, and make sure they get at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Blueberries also benefit from being mulched with pine straw or leaves.
Blueberries require regular watering, but be careful not to over-water, as they do not tolerate soggy soil. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer, or an acid-specific fertilizer. Blueberries are also heavy feeders and will benefit from regular fertilizing.
Blueberries are ready to harvest about 2-3 months after planting. The fruit should be picked when it is fully ripe, which is when the berries turn from green to blue. To harvest, simply pick the berries off the bush with your fingers.
Blueberries are a nutritious and delicious fruit that can be eaten fresh, used in jams, jellies and baking, or frozen for later use. They are also great for making a refreshing blueberry juice.
Native Florida blueberries are a great addition to a food forest in central Florida. They are easy to grow, nutritious, and delicious. A blueberry bush can produce a bountiful harvest of fruit for many years. Keep in mind that blueberries require acidic soil and regular fertilization, but with the right care, they can thrive in central Florida.
Blueberries require cross-pollination to produce fruit, so it’s best to plant at least two of the same variety (rabbiteye with rabbiteye, highbush with highbush) of blueberries in order to ensure good fruit production. It is also recommended to prune blueberries annually, removing old canes and any canes that are no longer productive. This will help to maintain the health of the bush and encourage new growth for future harvests.