Rabbiteye blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) are native to the hot and humid southeastern United States but are adapted to Sunset's Climate Zones 8, 9 and 14 through 24. Named for the resemblance of the shape of the flower scar on the berries to a rabbit's eye, these shrubs require less chilling time and have better drought resistance than highbush blueberries. Unlike the typically self-fertile highbush blueberries, though, two rabbiteye varieties are required for cross-pollination. Select varieties that will thrive in your growing conditions.
Rabbiteyes behave differently in different climates, so it is important to consider factors such as when particular varieties will bloom and when the fruits will ripen in your area. For example, "Powderblue" is an older variety listed as a midseason berry in the southeast, where it originated. University of Oregon researchers B. C. Strik and C. E. Finn highly recommend it as a late-season variety for home gardens in the northwest. When "Powderblue" was included as a berry for late-season harvest in test plots at the Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center in California's San Joaquin Valley, however, the berries tended to shrivel in the August heat.
Although University of Georgia horticulturalists who work with breeding rabbiteye varieties tout the improvements in recent introductions, University of California Cooperative Extension personnel Don Merhaut and Kathie Carter recommend an older variety, "Climax." An early-season variety in the southeast, "Climax" ripens in June and July on the central California coast. Its good fall color in warmer climates is a bonus for home gardeners, notes Jennifer Trehane in her book, "Blueberries, Cranberries and Other Vacciniums." For pollination, pair "Climax" with other early-season varieties.
Recent American Introductions
Of the newer, patented rabbiteye introductions from the U.S. southeast, Fall Creek Nursery, the licensed national distributor, recommends "Vernon" for California gardeners. For large berries in July and August, plant "Vernon" with other early bloomers. Although Fall Creek recommends another recent introduction, "Alapaha," the older variety "Climax" should work as a cross-pollinator, as well.
New Zealand Introductions
American blueberry varieties were introduced to New Zealand, where breeders have created several new varieties. Merhaut and Carter recommend a 1990 New Zealand introduction, "Maru," for berries in July and August. Another 1990 New Zealand introduction, "Rahi," fared well in the KARE Center late-season trials. These two large-berried varieties can be planted together for cross-pollination.
- Sunset: 21 Best Crops for Your Edible Garden: Blueberries
- University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences: Home Garden Blueberries
- University of California: Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center: Late Season Blueberry Field Day Features Rabbiteye Varieties
- Oregon State University Extension: Growing Small Fruits: Blueberry Cultivars for Oregon
- University of California Cooperative Extension: Center for Landscape and Urban Horticulture: Blueberry Low-Chill Vaccinium Species
- New Zealand Berryfruit Propagators: Berryfruit Variety Descriptions: Blueberries
- Blueberries, Cranberries and Other Vacciniums; Jennifer Trehane
- Fall Creek Farm & Nursery: Rabbiteyes
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