Rabbit eye blueberries (forum)

Xiem starts with ...
Haven't grown blueberries before and am wondering what types are suitable for Sunshine Coast. I believe I need rabbit eye varieties for warm areas. I know Bunnings has one rabbit eye variety (Powderblue I think) but what other variety should I get for cross-pollination?

Time: 10th January 2013 9:40pm

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About the Author Diego
 
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VF says...
Hi Xiem. Powderblue crosses well with Britewell/Brightwell, also sold at Bunnings (where I got mine). I have Gulf Coast too, another low-chill variety, needs no cross-pollinator, and is currently producing its' second crop of the season - I think it's a high-bush. I'm in hinterland, but I believe it does well on Gold Coast, so Sunshine Coast should be okay too.
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Time: 11th January 2013 7:12am

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About the Author VF
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Xiem says...
Thank you VF. Another question - can they be espaliered?

Time: 11th January 2013 10:26am

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Julie says...
Is this to save space Xiem? One purpose of espaliering (in cooler climes) is to expose the fruit to more sun.

Not a good thing for blueberries, but may be OK in semi-shade, IMO.

Time: 11th January 2013 9:43pm

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About the Author Julie
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VF says...
Espaliering may be too much bother anyway, as you sort of treat Blueberries like Roses, and remove older growth and refresh the plant (about 3-4 yrs).

Time: 12th January 2013 6:58am

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About the Author VF
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Xiem says...
Thanks Julie and VF. I guess espalier is not such a great idea. What about trimming like a hedge with a little added wire support? Do they grow densely enough or are they an open bush?

Time: 12th January 2013 9:25am

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About the Author Diego
 
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Julie says...
Depends on the variety Xiem. They all have different habits of growth. Try Googling some images of varieties that interest you (or grow well in your area).

Time: 12th January 2013 9:16pm

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About the Author Julie
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