The Story
A fruitful addition with vibrant berries and striking flowers
Southern Living Downhome HarvestĀ® Takes the CakeĀ® Blueberryāalso known as the āVernonā rabbiteye blueberryāis a top choice for Southeastern gardens, where rabbiteye varieties perform best. In spring, delicate white flowers give way to an early and generous harvest of large, vibrant berries prized for their exceptional flavor, firm texture, and impressive shelf life. Ideal for fresh eating, baking, or preserving, this variety is a great option for gardeners looking to start an edible garden or add a unique cultivar to an existing home orchard.
Planting Takes the CakeĀ® alongside other rabbiteye blueberries improves pollination and boosts fruit production. This disease- and pest-resistant variety thrives in warm Southern climates and offers excellent heat tolerance, making it a low-maintenance, high-reward addition to the landscapeāeven during the hottest months.
About Southern LivingĀ®: The Southern LivingĀ® Plant Collection was created to bring gardeners plants that truly thrive in real-world landscapes. Each variety is carefully selected and rigorously tested to ensure it performs beautifullyāespecially in challenging Southern conditions like heat and humidity. Since its introduction in 2008, the collection has focused on offering reliable, solution-driven plants with outstanding color, form, and durability, so you can garden with confidence and enjoy lasting results.
Planting & Care
1. Planting: Plant or repot within 4 weeks of arrival. Blueberries require acidic soil with a pH of 4.5ā5.5, so testing your soil before planting is essential. If native soil pH is higher than 5.5, container growing is recommended for better pH control. Choose a full to part sun location with well-draining soil. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and amend native soil with peat moss. Space rabbiteye blueberries 5ā6 feet apart, with 7ā9 feet between rows. Apply a layer of mulch around the plant to conserve moisture, insulate roots, and suppress weeds, then water deeply after planting.
2. Watering: Ensure consistent moisture, especially during the first growing season. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the top inch of the soil to dry out between waterings. Mulching around the base can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
3. Pruning: In late winter or early spring, remove any dead or damaged branches as well as any crowded or crossing stems. This encourages better air circulation and productive growth. Focus on shaping the plant to promote an open center, allowing sunlight to reach all parts of the shrub.
4. Fertilizing: Feed with a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants, such as Espoma Holly Tone, in early spring when new growth begins. Follow package directions carefully and avoid over-fertilizing, which can promote excess foliage at the expense of fruit production.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Description
A fruitful addition with vibrant berries and striking flowers
Southern Living Downhome HarvestĀ® Takes the CakeĀ® Blueberryāalso known as the āVernonā rabbiteye blueberryāis a top choice for Southeastern gardens, where rabbiteye varieties perform best. In spring, delicate white flowers give way to an early and generous harvest of large, vibrant berries prized for their exceptional flavor, firm texture, and impressive shelf life. Ideal for fresh eating, baking, or preserving, this variety is a great option for gardeners looking to start an edible garden or add a unique cultivar to an existing home orchard.
Planting Takes the CakeĀ® alongside other rabbiteye blueberries improves pollination and boosts fruit production. This disease- and pest-resistant variety thrives in warm Southern climates and offers excellent heat tolerance, making it a low-maintenance, high-reward addition to the landscapeāeven during the hottest months.
About Southern LivingĀ®: The Southern LivingĀ® Plant Collection was created to bring gardeners plants that truly thrive in real-world landscapes. Each variety is carefully selected and rigorously tested to ensure it performs beautifullyāespecially in challenging Southern conditions like heat and humidity. Since its introduction in 2008, the collection has focused on offering reliable, solution-driven plants with outstanding color, form, and durability, so you can garden with confidence and enjoy lasting results.
Planting & Care
1. Planting: Plant or repot within 4 weeks of arrival. Blueberries require acidic soil with a pH of 4.5ā5.5, so testing your soil before planting is essential. If native soil pH is higher than 5.5, container growing is recommended for better pH control. Choose a full to part sun location with well-draining soil. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and amend native soil with peat moss. Space rabbiteye blueberries 5ā6 feet apart, with 7ā9 feet between rows. Apply a layer of mulch around the plant to conserve moisture, insulate roots, and suppress weeds, then water deeply after planting.
2. Watering: Ensure consistent moisture, especially during the first growing season. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the top inch of the soil to dry out between waterings. Mulching around the base can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
3. Pruning: In late winter or early spring, remove any dead or damaged branches as well as any crowded or crossing stems. This encourages better air circulation and productive growth. Focus on shaping the plant to promote an open center, allowing sunlight to reach all parts of the shrub.
4. Fertilizing: Feed with a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants, such as Espoma Holly Tone, in early spring when new growth begins. Follow package directions carefully and avoid over-fertilizing, which can promote excess foliage at the expense of fruit production.
