Tifblue Blueberry (Vaccinium ashei 'Tifblue') is a partially self-fertile blueberry cultivar, meaning it can produce some fruit without cross-pollination. However, cross-pollination with another blueberry cultivar can increase fruit yield and size.

The best pollinators for Tifblue Blueberry are other southern highbush cultivars, such as Centurion, Powderblue, or Brightwell. Rabbiteye cultivars, such as Premier or Climax, can also be effective pollinators.

It is important to have at least one pollinator plant for every 5-6 Tifblue plants. Bees and other pollinators are necessary for effective cross-pollination.

To ensure good pollination, place Tifblue and its pollinator plants within 100 feet of each other, and avoid planting them in windy or shaded areas. Pruning and thinning the plants can also contribute to better pollination and fruit set.

Tifblue Blueberry (Vaccinium ashei 'Tifblue') FAQs

1. What is Tifblue Blueberry?

Tifblue Blueberry is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Ericaceae family. It is a variety of the southern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium ashei), which is one of the main types of blueberries grown in the southeastern United States.

2. What are the features of Tifblue Blueberry?

Tifblue Blueberry is a medium-sized shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide. It has dark green leaves that turn red in fall, and produces small, white, bell-shaped flowers in spring that give way to flavorful blueberries in mid-summer. Its fruit is medium to large in size, and has a sweet taste with a hint of tartness.

3. How do you care for Tifblue Blueberry?

• Soil: Tifblue Blueberry requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 4.5 and 5.5.
• Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. During dry spells, water the plant deeply once a week.
• Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins, and again in early summer after the plant has finished fruiting.
• Pruning: Prune the plant in late winter or early spring to remove any dead wood and improve air circulation. Remove any low-growing branches to encourage upright growth.
• Pollination: Tifblue Blueberry requires cross-pollination from another blueberry plant to set fruit. It is recommended to plant two or more varieties of blueberry to ensure a good crop.

4. When is the best time to plant Tifblue Blueberry?

The best time to plant Tifblue Blueberry is in fall or early spring when the plant is dormant. This allows the roots to establish before the plant begins to grow. If planting in spring, do it as early as possible to avoid the summer heat.

5. How long does it take for Tifblue Blueberry to bear fruit?

Tifblue Blueberry typically takes 2-3 years to bear fruit after planting. However, the quality and quantity of the fruit can improve as the plant matures.

6. What are the pests and diseases that affect Tifblue Blueberry?

• Pests: Birds, deer, and rabbits can damage the fruit and leaves. Insects such as aphids, mites, and thrips can also attack the plant.
• Diseases: Blueberry stem blight, botrytis fruit rot, and powdery mildew are some of the common diseases that affect Tifblue Blueberry. Proper sanitation, pruning, and the use of fungicides can help prevent and control these diseases.

7. What are some other varieties of blueberry?

Some other popular varieties of blueberry are:

• Jersey: An early-season blueberry that produces large, sweet fruit.
• Bluecrop: A mid-season blueberry that produces large, firm fruit with a sweet flavor.
• Elliott: A late-season blueberry that produces small to medium-sized fruit with a tangy flavor.

Planting Instructions for Tifblue Blueberry

Choosing and Preparing a Planting Site:

1. Choose a location with well-draining soil that gets full sun to partial shade.

2. Test the soil’s pH level and adjust it to between 4.5 and 5.5, which is ideal for blueberries.

3. Dig a hole twice as wide as the blueberry plant’s root ball and till the soil around it to loosen it.

Planting:

1. Carefully remove the Tifblue Blueberry plant from its container and loosen any tangled roots.

2. Place the plant in the center of the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.

3. Fill in the hole with soil, gently tamping it down around the plant.

4. Water the newly planted blueberry bush thoroughly.

Care Instructions for Tifblue Blueberry:

Watering:

1. Tifblue Blueberries need regular watering, especially during dry spells. Water deeply, so the water penetrates down to the roots.

2. Water the plants once a week, or more frequently if the soil dries out faster.

Fertilizing:

1. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, in early spring before new growth begins.

2. Repeat the application in mid-summer if the plant looks weak or unproductive.

3. Follow the recommended dosage carefully, as over-fertilization can damage the plant.

Pruning:

1. Prune Tifblue Blueberries in late winter or early spring, before new growth starts.

2. Remove any weak or diseased branches with pruning shears. Cut the branch as close to the main stem as possible.

3. Thin out the bush by cutting any crossing branches or those that clutter the center.

4. Prune so that the bush has an open center and an overall balanced shape.

Pest Control:

1. Look for signs of insect pests, such as Japanese beetles and spider mites, and control them with insecticide or insecticidal soap.

2. Protect the plant from birds by netting the bush or using scare devices.

Harvesting:

1. The Tifblue Blueberry bush will start producing fruit 3 years after planting.

2. Harvest the berries when they are fully blue, plump, and slightly soft to the touch.

3. Use a gentle hand to avoid bruising the fruit.