Rabbiteye Blueberry: A Productive, Drought-Tolerant Variety for Warm Climates

The rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium ashei) is a vigorous and productive species of blueberry that thrives in southeastern regions of the United States. Unlike the highbush blueberry, which is more commonly known, the rabbiteye can grow to impressive heights, reaching up to 10 meters (33 feet). Its fruit is similar in appearance and taste to that of highbush cultivars, making it a popular choice for both home gardeners and commercial growers.

One of the key advantages of the rabbiteye blueberry is its adaptability. While it is not winter-hardy and can be sensitive to colder climates, it exhibits remarkable drought tolerance. This feature makes it particularly suitable for regions with hot summers and fluctuating water availability. The rabbiteye blueberry is also known for its relatively low chilling requirement, meaning it doesn’t need extended cold periods to break dormancy. It can tolerate a broader range of soil pH and withstand higher temperatures, which further enhances its adaptability.

However, its susceptibility to late-season frost poses challenges. Research indicates that even mild freezes (around -1 to -2°C) can significantly impair fruit set if the flowers have already been pollinated. More severe frosts (-3 to -4°C) during bloom can lead to even greater reductions in yield. Fortunately, the application of gibberellic acid, a plant growth regulator, has been shown to mitigate these effects when applied at the right time. This treatment helps maintain fruit set even after moderate freezing events.

Harvesting rabbiteye blueberries can be done either by hand or machine, making them a versatile crop for various scales of production. In recent years, machine harvesting has gained popularity among commercial growers due to its efficiency in reducing labor costs.

In summary, the rabbiteye blueberry is a hardy, drought-tolerant, and highly productive variety that is well-suited for cultivation in warmer climates, provided that proper care is taken to manage its sensitivity to frost during the bloom stage.
Rabbiteye Blueberry: A Productive, Drought-Tolerant Variety for Warm Climates