The Takes the Cake Blueberry is one of three fantastic Rabbiteye Blueberries from the Southern Living Plant Collection! This selection produces harvests of flavorful, large blueberries, rich in antioxidants and with an impressive shelf-life. First, petite white flowers appear in early Spring. Then, those flowers develop into delicious fruits that ripen in late May to early June. The Takes the Cake requires 500-550 chill hours (hours between 32-45 degrees Fahrenheit) to produce fruit. This variety is more compact than traditional blueberries. It reaches 4-5 feet high and 3-4 feet wide at maturity. Therefore, it can be mixed into mixed garden beds or used as a hedge without any fear that it will go wild. Plant it with the other two varieties from the collection for maximum fruiting potential, the For Heaven's Sake Blueberry and the Bless Your Heart Blueberry. This variety is hardy from USDA Zones 7-9 and it is deciduous, so it will lose its leaves once freezing temperatures roll around (they will return in Spring). It grows best in Full Sun and should be planted in slightly acidic soil with good drainage. Water your new planting 2-3 times per week for the first growing season. These Blueberry bushes are well-established in 2.5 Quart pots. They will tend to be 12-18 inches tall when shipped. When your plant is ordered will determine whether or not you will have fruit during your plant's first year. If ordered while fruiting, berries may fall off during shipment.
Takes the Cake™ Rabbiteye Blueberry Bush in a 2.5 Quart pot
Mature size: 4-5 ft H X 3-4 ft W
Outdoor/landscape hardy USDA Zones: 7 – 9 (below zone 7 this plant should be grown in containers/planters that can be moved indoors during the winter)
Once established your blueberry shrub will be low maintenance making it easy to enjoy with no stress to keep it healthy
Fertilize your Blueberry Shrub in spring with an acidic slow-release granular fertilizer
Thrives in slightly acidic, well-drained garden soil, ensuring optimal growth and fruit production
Blueberries are renowned for their health benefits, primarily due to their rich nutrient content and high levels of antioxidants
Ships from Alabama gulf coast - customers beyond the south eastern United States should consider placing orders from early Fall to mid-late Spring to avoid heat damage during transit
If you are working on a big landscape project, consider ordering 1-2 of these Southern Living Blueberry bushes online at Lowes to ensure they meet your specifications before placing an order for your entire project