3 Florida Rose Rabbiteye Blueberry Highbush Starter Plant – Fruit Plant Perennial

Florida Rose Rabbiteye Blueberry: A Unique Addition to Your Garden

The Florida Rose Rabbiteye Blueberry is a standout variety, known for its stunning bright pink to red fruit. These berries are not only visually appealing but also boast a large size, excellent firmness, and a delightful flavor. This rabbiteye variety ripens early, alongside ‘Climax’, and thrives with cross-pollination, making it an ideal choice for home gardens, pick-your-own operations, and even novelty sales in home nurseries.

Compared to other pink rabbiteye blueberries, the Florida Rose has a notably lower chilling requirement. This makes it particularly well-suited for areas in north and north-central Florida, where other varieties like ‘Pink Lemonade’ may struggle to receive sufficient chill hours. The earlier harvest period and larger berries of the Florida Rose further enhance its appeal for growers in these regions. Companion planting with varieties like Titan and Pink Lemonade is recommended to ensure optimal cross-pollination and fruit production.

Benefits of Growing Florida Rose Blueberry Plants

• Unique Pink Berries: Enjoy the visual appeal and delicious taste of these distinctively colored blueberries.
• Early Harvest: Ripens early in the season, providing you with fresh blueberries sooner.
• Low Chill Requirement: Thrives in warmer climates, including north and north-central Florida.
• Excellent for Home Gardens: Perfect for adding a touch of novelty and fresh fruit to your backyard.
• Cross-Pollination Benefits: Enhance fruit production by planting with companion varieties.

This variety typically ripens with other early rabbiteye blueberries like Alapaha, Climax, and Premier in the Southeastern U.S. It requires 500 to 550 chilling hours at 45°F (7°C) and performs well in USDA hardiness zones 6b through 9a. We ship our plants bare root, ensuring they arrive ready for planting. We use USPS Ground Advantage or Priority Mail, with ship times typically between 1-3 days, though this may increase during the busy spring season.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How big do Florida Rose Blueberry plants get? These highbush plants can grow to be 6-8 feet tall and wide at maturity, so be sure to provide adequate space when planting.
2. What kind of soil is best for Florida Rose Blueberries? They prefer well-drained, acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. Amend your soil with peat moss or sulfur if needed.
3. How often should I water my Florida Rose Blueberry plants? Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods. Aim for about 1-2 inches of water per week, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
4. When is the best time to plant Florida Rose Blueberry starter plants? The best time to plant is in the early spring or late fall, allowing the roots to establish before the heat of summer or the chill of winter.
5. Do I need to prune my Florida Rose Blueberry plants? Yes, pruning is important for maintaining plant health and fruit production. Prune in late winter or early spring, removing any dead, damaged, or crossing branches.