Blueberries are a delicious and nutritious addition to any garden, and if you live in South Central Texas, you have the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of blueberry varieties. Cross pollination is an important factor to consider when growing blueberries in this region, as different varieties require different pollinators to thrive. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the best varieties of blueberries for cross pollination in South Central Texas, as well as the best ways to grow them for optimal success.

When it comes to growing blueberries in south central Texas, there are several varieties to choose from. The best varieties of blueberries for the region are the southern highbush varieties that are well adapted to the climate. These varieties include ‘Southmoon’, ‘Powderblue’ (both of which we carry), ’O’Neal’, ‘Sharpblue’, and ‘Womack’.

In addition to these southern highbush varieties, there are some rabbiteye varieties that are well suited for growing in south central Texas. These rabbiteye varieties include ‘Brightwell’, ‘Tifblue’, ‘Climax’ (all three of which we carry), ‘Austin’, and ‘Bonita’, 

There are also some newer varieties that have been developed specifically for growing in south central Texas. These new varieties include ‘Texasblue’ and ‘Festival’ (we hope to have these in the future).

Overall, the southern highbush varieties are the best choices for south central Texas due to their adaptability and disease resistance. However, the rabbiteye and newer varieties can also provide a unique and flavorful addition to any home orchard.

Growing Tips for Blueberries in south Central Texas

Blueberries are a delicious and healthy fruit, and luckily they’re relatively easy to grow in South Central Texas. To get a great harvest of blueberries in this region, there are certain requirements your plants will need in order to thrive.

First, you’ll need to find the right soil type for growing blueberries. Blueberries prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH of 4.5-5.5, but can tolerate up to 6.5 pH levels. The soil should also have good drainage and be rich in organic matter and compost.

Fertilizing your blueberry plants is also important in helping them reach their full potential. Blueberries do best when fed with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer at least twice a year, once in late winter or early spring and again in mid-summer. Avoid over-fertilizing as this can cause more foliage growth than fruit production.

Light requirements for blueberries vary depending on the variety, but generally, these plants prefer full sun for at least six hours per day. If possible, try to choose a location that has some protection from wind and intense summer heat.

Finally, it’s important to provide your blueberry plants with winter protection. This could include covering them with several inches of organic mulch and making sure that they receive plenty of water during dry spells in the winter.

By following these tips, you can ensure your blueberry plants will produce a great harvest in South Central Texas!

Come and get yours!

~The Happy Gardener, Lisa Mulroy