Premier Rabbiteye Blueberry
Premier is an early ripening rabbit eye blueberry that’s been around since the late 1970s. It was bred by the University of Georgia and has been prized by growers in the Southeast for decades but also is a reliable producer in the West and other places that don’t receive enough chill hours to grow Northern Highbush blueberries. Partially self fertile but planting with another rabbiteye blueberry or a southern high bush blueberry can increase yields.
Click here to view our Blueberry Growing Guide.
Latin Name: Vaccinium ashei ‘Premier’
Site and Soil: Premier blueberries like 1/2 day to full sun and well-drained, acidic soil.
Pollination Requirements: Partially self-fertile. Plant another Rabbiteye or Southern Highbush variety for cross pollination.
Hardiness: Hardy to -10° F.
Bearing Age: 1-2 years after planting
Size at Maturity: 6′ high and wide
Bloom Time: March-April
Ripening Time: June–July
Taste: Sweet
Fruit Size: Large
Texture: Firm
Yield: 15-20 lbs.
Care: Blueberries prefer acidic soil (pH 4.5-5.5). Fertilize in early spring with a granular or liquid acid fertilizer. In late winter prune out any dead branches. After harvest, prune non fruit-bearing branches, leaving new branches to fruit the following season.
Pests & Diseases: Blueberries are not bothered by significant pest or disease problems. Scare birds away with Mylar Flash Tape or deter them by covering your plants with netting.
USDA Zone: 6-9