Premier Blueberry (Vaccinium ashei ‘Premier’) is a popular variety of blueberry due to its exceptional taste and productivity. It produces large berries with a sweet flavor that are perfect for eating fresh or adding to various dishes. Premier Blueberry is highly adaptable and thrives in acidic soil, making it suitable for a wide range of growing conditions. With its high yield and delicious fruit, Premier Blueberry is a top choice for home gardeners and commercial growers alike.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
The Premier blueberry bush is a popular rabbiteye variety known for its larger berries that consistently ripen early. Considered among the best of its type, the cultivar is ideal for growth across the southern continental United States. Reasonably old hardy and resistant to early frost damage, the Premier variety was released jointly by the USDA and North Carolina State University in 1978. The bush tolerates a higher PH than other varieties (5.0-5.5), and is a vigorous, upright and taller grower for a rabbiteye variety.
Premier blueberries provide excellent aesthetic value for appropriate landscapes. Springtime offers white and pink, bell-shaped flowers. Flowers transition to pink and eventually blue fruit by early summer. Blue-green foliage transitions to shades of red and orange in the fall. Overall, this display can offer a fun, edible addition to your landscape. It is important to remember that Premier blueberry bushes are not self-pollinating. The bush(es) will require a pollinating variety to produce fruit.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight and Watering
Requires consistent moisture, particularly in dry conditions, and thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to enjoy early-season blueberries. Water regularly to maintain moist, but not waterlogged, soil – especially critical during fruit development and dry periods. Benefits from full sun for optimal growth and berry yield but can grow in partial shade.
Fertilizing
The fertilizer requirement for Premier Blueberry is typically high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, with an emphasis on acidity. It should be applied in accordance with the specific needs of the plant and the soil conditions.
Planting Instructions
- Choose a location that receives full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day).
- Make sure the soil is well-draining and acidic (pH between 4.5 and 5.5).
- Dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball and slightly shallower than the depth.
- Remove the plant from its container and gently loosen the roots.
- Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the soil surface.
- Backfill the hole with soil, firming it gently around the roots.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
Pruning
Prune during late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged wood and to maintain an open, well-aerated plant structure. Remove any suckers that emerge from the base of the plant.
Pollination
The Premier Blueberry (Vaccinium ashei ‘Premier’) is categorized as a self-fertile plant, meaning it is capable of producing fruit on its own without needing another blueberry plant for pollination. However, having additional blueberry plants nearby can increase the yield and quality of the berries.
The Premier Blueberry is primarily pollinated by bees, including honeybees and bumblebees. These bees are attracted to the flowers by their nectar and, while feeding on it, they inadvertently transfer pollen between flowers, leading to pollination.
The Premier Blueberry blooms in early to mid-spring, usually from late March to early May, depending on the local climate. This is the time when pollinators should be active to ensure successful cross-pollination.
Mulching
Mulch around the base of the plant to conserve moisture, suppress weed growth, and maintain soil acidity.
Pests and Diseases
Monitor for pests and diseases such as aphids, mites, powdery mildew, and root rot. Treat if necessary with appropriate organic or chemical controls.
III. Uses and Benefits
The Premier Blueberry is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways:
- Edible Landscaping: With its attractive foliage, delicate blooms, and bountiful, delicious berries, this blueberry cultivar is an excellent addition to any edible landscape or fruit garden. Blueberries are categorized as a super fruit. High in vitamin C, antioxidants, and low in calories; blueberries are a great snack that are highly beneficial to your health. The Premier blueberry bush produces firm berries that are sweet and juicy. The fruit can be enjoyed raw, or used in baking and jelly production.
- Hedge or Border Planting: Due to its upright shape and attractive foliage, the Premier Blueberry can be used as a hedge or border plant, providing both beauty and functionality.
- Container Gardening: It can be grown successfully in large containers, allowing those with limited space or no garden to enjoy fresh, homegrown blueberries.
IV. Harvesting and Storage
Harvest berries when they are fully ripe and have reached their characteristic blue color. They should easily detach from the stem when gently pulled.