Springhigh Blueberry Plant

Springhigh is an early-ripening southern highbush blueberry developed by the University of Florida. It produces very large, sweet berries on a vigorous, upright-growing plant. The berries have good flavor, a small picking scar, and a darker blue color than many other blueberry varieties.

Springhigh is highly self-fruitful and can produce fruit when planted alone. However, planting it near another southern highbush variety with an overlapping bloom period can produce larger berries, improve overall yields, and help the fruit ripen more evenly.

Plant Details

• Plant Type: Deciduous to semi-evergreen fruiting shrub
• Blueberry Type: Southern highbush
• Botanical Name: Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Springhigh’
• Mature Size: Approximately 5–7 feet tall and 4–5 feet wide
• Growth Habit: Vigorous and upright
• Sun: Full sun for the best fruit production
• USDA Zones: 8–10
• Chill Hours: Approximately 200–300 hours
• Bloom Time: Very early spring
• Harvest Time: Early season; generally April into May in Florida, depending on weather and location
• Berry Size: Very large
• Berry Color: Medium to dark blue
• Flavor: Sweet, juicy, and low in acidity
• Firmness: Medium; berries should be picked regularly once ripe
• Pollination: Highly self-fruitful, but another southern highbush variety is recommended for the best crop
• Soil: Acidic, organic, and very well-drained
• Preferred Soil pH: Approximately 4.0–5.5
• Water: Keep evenly moist but never waterlogged
• Spacing: Approximately 4–5 feet apart
• Landscape Uses: Home orchards, edible landscapes, containers, fruiting hedges, and U-pick plantings
• ATTRACTS POLLINATORS: The spring flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators

Springhigh has a low chilling requirement, a strong upright growth habit, and excellent field survival. Mature plants can reach approximately seven feet tall. Its very early berries are large and flavorful, but the fruit may soften quickly during hot weather.

Best Pollinator Partners

Springhigh should only be paired with another southern highbush blueberry, not a rabbiteye variety.

The best pollinator partners from Advanced Nursery Growers’ inventory are:

• Jewel — one of the best choices
• Emerald — one of the best choices

Springhigh flowers early, while Jewel and Emerald generally flower during the early-to-middle portion of the southern highbush bloom season, giving them a useful opportunity for overlap. UF/IFAS notes that cross-pollination between different southern highbush varieties generally increases berry size and can help berries ripen sooner.

Pollination Reminder

Springhigh is considered highly self-fruitful, so one plant can produce berries. However, planting Jewel or Emerald nearby is still recommended for a fuller and more dependable harvest.

Do not list rabbiteye varieties such as Brightwell, Climax, Premier, Austin, Powderblue, or Tifblue as pollinators for Springhigh. Southern highbush varieties should be paired with other southern highbush varieties.

North Florida Growing Note

Springhigh can grow in North Florida and is listed by UF/IFAS for North and Central Florida. However, because it requires only 200–300 chill hours, it may bloom very early after its chilling requirement is met. Flowers and young berries may need protection during a late winter or early spring freeze.

Springhigh may be a good choice for gardeners who want blueberries earlier than rabbiteye varieties, but it requires excellent drainage and more careful management. Rabbiteye blueberries are generally easier and more forgiving for beginners in the Florida Panhandle.

Plant in full sun using acidic soil amended with pine bark, pine fines, or peat moss. Raised beds or containers are helpful where the native soil drains poorly or has a high pH. Southern highbush blueberries are especially sensitive to wet soil and root rot.

Harvesting Note

Pick Springhigh berries frequently once they turn fully blue. The berries have excellent flavor but can become soft during hot weather or when left on the plant too long. Springhigh is best suited for home gardens, local sales, and U-pick use where the fruit can be enjoyed soon after harvest.

Local Pickup

Available for local pickup at Advanced Nursery Growers in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. Please contact us before ordering if shipping is needed. Most plants are available for local pickup only unless shipping is approved in advance.

Wholesale Availability

Wholesale pricing may be available for qualifying quantities. Contact us for current sizes, availability, and wholesale information.

Advanced Nursery Growers
1911 McLeod Road
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435
Call: 850-391-2228
Email: info@advancednurserygrowers.com