Alapaha is an early-season rabbiteye blueberry known for its later flowering and early fruit ripening. This combination makes it especially valuable for North Florida because the later bloom time may help reduce damage from late winter or early spring freezes without delaying the harvest. The vigorous, upright plants produce dependable crops of medium-sized, firm blueberries with good flavor and a small, dry picking scar. Alapaha is an excellent choice for home orchards, edible landscapes, local farms, fruiting hedges, and U-pick plantings. Plant Details Plant Type: Deciduous fruiting shrub Blueberry Type: Rabbiteye Botanical Name: Vaccinium virgatum ‘Alapaha’ Former Botanical Name: Vaccinium ashei ‘Alapaha’ Mature Size: Approximately 6–10 feet tall and 4–6 feet wide; it can be maintained smaller with pruning Growth Habit: Vigorous, upright, and relatively narrow Sun: Full sun for the best flowering and fruit production USDA Zones: 7–9 Chill Hours: Approximately 450–500 hours Bloom Time: Early spring; generally later than Climax Harvest Time: Early season, generally late May through June in the Deep South Berry Size: Medium Berry Color: Medium to dark blue Flavor: Good, sweet blueberry flavor Fruit Quality: Firm berries with a small, dry picking scar Pollination: Plant with another compatible rabbiteye blueberry Soil: Acidic, moist, organic, and well-drained Preferred Soil pH: Approximately 4.5–5.2 Water: Keep evenly moist, especially while the plant is becoming established and developing fruit Spacing: Approximately 5–6 feet apart Landscape Uses: Home orchards, edible landscapes, fruiting hedges, wildlife gardens, local farms, and U-pick plantings ATTRACTS POLLINATORS: Spring flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators Best Pollinator Partners Alapaha has some self-fruitfulness, but it should be planted with another rabbiteye blueberry that flowers at a similar time for heavier and more dependable crops. Recommended pollinator partners include: Vernon — one of the best choices Austin — very good choice Premier — good choice Plant at least two different compatible rabbiteye varieties near one another so bees can move pollen between the flowers. I would not list Climax as Alapaha’s best pollinator because Alapaha often flowers later than Climax, especially following a warm winter. North Florida Growing Note Alapaha’s moderate chilling requirement and later bloom make it a strong choice for North Florida, the Florida Panhandle, and nearby South Alabama. The later bloom may provide some protection from late freezes while still allowing the berries to ripen early in the season. Plant Alapaha in full sun and acidic, well-drained soil. Blueberries have shallow roots and do not tolerate standing water. Where drainage is questionable, plant in a raised bed, mound, or large container amended with pine bark, pine fines, or peat moss. Apply mulch around the plant to conserve moisture, protect the shallow roots, and help control weeds. Do not add lime around blueberry plants because lime raises the soil pH. Important Pollination Reminder One Alapaha plant may produce some berries, but planting it near a compatible rabbiteye variety such as Vernon, Austin, or Premier can improve fruit set, berry development, and overall harvest size. Local Pickup and Shipping Available for local pickup at Advanced Nursery Growers in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. Limited shipping may be available for select smaller plants. Please contact us before placing an order that will require shipping so we can confirm availability, plant size, and shipping cost. Wholesale Availability Wholesale pricing may be available for qualifying quantities. Please contact us for current plant sizes, availability, and wholesale information. Advanced Nursery Growers1911 McLeod RoadDeFuniak Springs, FL 32435Call: 850-391-2228Email: [email protected]
