Jewel Blueberry Plant

The Jewel Blueberry is a vigorous, upright Southern highbush blueberry developed by the University of Florida. It produces dependable crops of attractive, medium-to-large blueberries with very good internal quality and a pleasant blueberry flavor when fully ripe.

Jewel berries may remain somewhat tart until they are completely ripe, so allow them to turn fully blue before picking for their best flavor. This productive variety is a good choice for home orchards, edible landscapes, and small U-pick plantings where it can receive the specialized soil and care blueberries require.

PLANT DETAILS

• Botanical Name: Vaccinium corymbosum hybrid ‘Jewel’
• Common Name: Jewel Blueberry
• Blueberry Type: Southern highbush
• Growth Habit: Upright, vigorous, and productive
• Mature Height: Approximately 5 to 6 feet
• Mature Width: Approximately 4 to 5 feet
• Sun Requirements: Full sun, preferably 6 or more hours daily
• Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring
• Harvest Season: Midseason for a Florida Southern highbush blueberry
• Berry Size: Medium to large
• Berry Color: Medium blue
• Berry Flavor: Very good when fully ripe; berries may remain tart until completely blue
• Soil Requirements: Acidic, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter
• Preferred Soil pH: Approximately 4.5 to 5.5
• Water Needs: Consistent moisture with good drainage
• Recommended Spacing: Approximately 4 to 6 feet apart
• USDA Hardiness Zones: Generally suitable for Zones 8 through 10 with proper care

BEST POLLINATOR PARTNERS

Jewel partially self-fertile may produce some fruit when planted alone, but planting another Southern highbush blueberry nearby can improve pollination, berry size, and overall production.

Recommended partners from our blueberry selection include:

• Emerald Blueberry — best traditional pollinator partner
• Springhigh Blueberry
• Farthing Blueberry
• Sweetcrisp Blueberry

Bloom times can vary depending on winter temperatures and spring weather. Plant two or more compatible Southern highbush varieties within approximately 20 to 50 feet of one another so bees can easily move between the flowers.

Rabbiteye blueberries should not be used as Jewel’s only pollinator because rabbiteye and Southern highbush varieties may not bloom at the same time.

NORTH FLORIDA GROWING NOTE

Jewel can be grown in North Florida, but Southern highbush blueberries generally require more attention than rabbiteye blueberries. Plant Jewel in full sun in an elevated, well-drained location rather than a low area where cold air or water collects.

Jewel flowers early enough that open blooms may need protection during a late winter or early spring freeze. Keep frost cloth available when freezing temperatures are expected.

Jewel is also particularly susceptible to blueberry rust leaf spot during Florida’s warm, humid weather. Provide good spacing and air circulation, avoid keeping the foliage wet overnight, and monitor the leaves for yellow, brown, or rusty orange spotting.

Blueberries have shallow roots. Apply pine bark, pine straw, or another acidic mulch around the plant to help conserve moisture and keep the roots cooler. Do not bury the base of the plant or allow the roots to remain in standing water.

LOCAL PICKUP AND LIMITED SHIPPING

Most plants and trees are available for local pickup at our nursery in DeFuniak Springs, Florida.

Limited shipping may be available for select smaller plants. Please contact us before placing an order that requires shipping. Shipping charges are calculated separately.

WHOLESALE AVAILABILITY

Wholesale pricing may be available for qualifying orders. Please contact us for current sizes, available quantities, and wholesale pricing.

ADVANCED NURSERY GROWERS

1911 McLeod Road
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435

Phone: (850) 391-2228
Email: info@advancednurserygrowers.com