The Story
Plant Bio
Rabbiteye blueberries are vigorous, heat-tolerant shrubs native to the southeastern United States, known for their adaptability and lower chilling hour requirements compared to highbush varieties.
'Premier' is a popular early-season variety prized for its very large, sweet, light-blue berries and vigorous, upright growth. It is a reliable producer and an excellent pollinator for other rabbiteye cultivars.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
84 inches
Width
84 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate to high
Humidity
High
Lifespan
20-30 years
Native To
Southeastern U.S.
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Mid-spring – Late spring
In flower about 2 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a sunny site with acidic, well-drained soil (pH 4.5-5.5).
- Amend the planting area with peat moss or composted pine bark.
- Dig a wide, shallow hole and plant bushes 5-6 feet apart.
- Set the plant so the top of the root ball is slightly above ground level.
- Mulch deeply with 4-6 inches of pine straw or pine bark.
- Water thoroughly and maintain consistent moisture, especially the first year.
Pro Tip
Plant at least two different rabbiteye varieties for cross-pollination and a much heavier fruit set.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Test and amend your soil to ensure a low pH (4.5-5.5).
- Plant more than one rabbiteye variety for cross-pollination.
- Mulch heavily to conserve moisture, cool roots, and suppress weeds.
- Provide at least one inch of water per week during the growing season.
- Use netting to protect ripening fruit from birds.
Don't
- Do not plant in alkaline or heavy clay soil.
- Avoid using fresh manure or nitrate-based fertilizers.
- Don't allow the shallow root system to dry out.
- Avoid cultivating around the base of the plant to protect shallow roots.
- Do not prune heavily in the first 3 years.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Premier Rabbiteye Blueberry questions
What zones can Premier Rabbiteye Blueberry grow in?
Premier Rabbiteye Blueberry is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Premier Rabbiteye Blueberry deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Premier Rabbiteye Blueberry, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Premier Rabbiteye Blueberry bloom?
Premier Rabbiteye Blueberry typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Premier Rabbiteye Blueberry need full sun?
Premier Rabbiteye Blueberry does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Vaccinium to compare
Highbush Blueberry
Vaccinium corymbosum
Echo Blueberry
Vaccinium corymbosum 'Echo'
Chandler Blueberry
Vaccinium corymbosum 'Chandler'
Bonus Blueberry
Vaccinium corymbosum 'Bonus'
Success Mix Highbush Blueberry
Vaccinium corymbosum 'Success Mix'
Sunshine Blue Blueberry
Vaccinium corymbosum 'Blueberry Sunshine Blue'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Premier Rabbiteye Blueberry with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.