Blueberry Premier

 Blueberry 'Premier' Growing Guide

Plant Description:  

'Premier' is another popular variety of Vaccinium ashei (rabbiteye blueberry). This variety is known for producing large, firm, and flavorful berries, with an early to mid-season harvest period. It is highly productive and blooms later than some other rabbiteye varieties, which helps it avoid damage from late spring frosts. The plant has attractive white to pale pink flowers in spring, followed by green berries that ripen to a deep blue.

Native Range:  

Like other rabbiteye blueberries, 'Premier' originates from the southeastern United States, where the warm and humid climate provides ideal growing conditions.

Growing Zones:  

'Premier' thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-9. It is well-suited to the southeastern U.S. but can also grow in other regions with suitable acidic soil and mild winters.

Height and Width:  

- Height: 6 to 8 feet  

- Width: 4 to 6 feet  

'Premier' has an upright, spreading growth habit that makes it ideal for hedges or as a standalone shrub in garden landscapes.

Growing Conditions:  

- Light: Full sun is required for optimal fruit production and plant health.  

- Soil: Prefers well-drained, acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5. It thrives in soil enriched with organic matter and benefits from mulching to retain moisture and suppress weeds.  

- Water: Consistent watering is essential, especially during fruit development, but be careful to avoid waterlogged soils, as this can cause root rot.  

- Temperature: 'Premier' requires about 500-550 chill hours (below 45°F), making it suitable for regions with mild winters.

Pollination:  

Though somewhat self-fertile, cross-pollination with other rabbiteye varieties like 'Climax' or 'Brightwell' will result in better fruit set and larger yields.

Uses:  

- Edible Landscape: 'Premier' can be grown as part of a productive garden, yielding an abundance of delicious berries for fresh eating or preserving.  

- Fruit Production: The large berries are perfect for fresh consumption, baking, and jams.  

- Wildlife Garden: Its flowers attract bees and other pollinators, while the berries are favored by birds.  

- Ornamental: The attractive flowers in spring and the fall foliage color make 'Premier' a versatile choice for landscaping.

Blueberry 'Premier' is an excellent choice for both home gardeners and commercial growers looking for a reliable, productive rabbiteye variety with high-quality fruit.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

California: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Juglans spp. (Walnut), Pinus spp. (Pine), Quercus spp. (Oak)  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. (Cherry, Peach, Plum). Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Cornus spp. (Dogwood), Quercus spp. (Oak), Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry)  

Georgia: Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry)  

Hawaii: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Idaho: Humulus lupulus (Hops), Mentha spp. (Mint), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Indiana: Fragraria spp. (Strawberry), Rosa spp. (Rose)  

Kansas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Michigan: Abies spp. (Fir), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry)  

Montana: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Nevada: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

New Jersey: Rosa spp. (Rose)  

New York: Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Oregon: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Quercus spp. (Oak), Sambucus nigra (European Elderberry), Ulmus spp. (Elm), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Texas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Washington: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Wisconsin: Abies spp. (Fir), Pinus spp. (Pine), Picea spp. (Spruce), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.