Photo: "Vaccinium corymbosum (Blueberries)" by Opioła Jerzy · CC BY-SA 3.0

Blueberry · Southern-highbush

Sunshine Blue Blueberry

Perennial · Ericaceae

Sunshine Blue is a southern highbush blueberry prized for low chill needs, compact size, and better container performance than many blueberries. It is a smart choice for gardeners in warmer zones who still want a true blueberry, provided they keep the soil distinctly acidic.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

730–1095 days

Sun

8+ hours

full sun 8+ hours

Spacing

24–36 "

Container

Yes

10+ gallon pot

Height

3–4 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Transplanting

Min Soil Temp 50°F

Harden Off 7 days

Watering

Weekly Water 1–2 "

Needs Consistent

Method Drip

Soil

pH Range 4.5–5.5

Soil Type Acidic, organic-rich, well-drained soil that stays evenly moist. Blueberries do not thrive in neutral garden soil.

Resilience

Heat: High Cold: Moderate Drought: Moderate

Common Problems

gray-mold

Cause: Crowded plants, splashing water, and humid weather allow fungal spores to spread on blossoms and fruit.

Prevention: Space plants well, mulch, use drip irrigation, and remove spoiled fruit promptly.

slugs

Cause: Moist mulch and dense foliage create hiding places that lead to fruit scarring.

Prevention: Thin old leaves, keep fruit off wet soil, and hand-pick or trap in damp weather.

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Moderate feeder

Recommended Recipes Acidifying fertilizer, Root drench, Worm castings topdress

Harvest

Berries should be fully blue with no red or green at the stem end and should come off with a light roll.

Expected Yield 5–10 lbs/plant

Storage 10 days — Refrigerate dry fruit in a covered vented container without washing first.

Sources

seed_catalog Stark Bro's university Oklahoma State University Extension

More Blueberrys

Sunshine Blue Blueberry Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Sunshine Blue Blueberry vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

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