Vaccinium Takes the Cake Rabbiteye Blueberry, a standout Southern Living® variety from the DownHome Harvest® Collection, has been rigorously tested for greater vigor and higher yields of larger, flavorful fruits. This improved variety makes home growing easier than ever, especially in the Southeast where Vaccinium ashei species, native to the region, thrive in heat and humidity.
Blueberry bushes are attractive plants that integrate beautifully into edible landscapes. Takes the Cake grows at a moderate rate with a compact, upright habit, reaching about 4 to 5 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide. The plant blooms late, setting pretty white flowers that avoid frost damage, and ripens quickly, consistently producing heavy yields of large, firm berries with excellent color, sweet flavor, and a long shelf life. Throughout the season, the bush attracts pollinators like butterflies and birds, and in the fall, it transforms with brilliant shades of red and orange. Ideal for group or mass plantings, Takes the Cake is perfect for woodland gardens, hedges, and screens. It also thrives in containers or mixed beds and borders, alongside perennials. Ensure plants have adequate space for healthy root development.
For the best fruiting and color, plant blueberries in sunny spots with consistently moist, well-draining, acidic soil, with a pH of 4.5 to 5.2. Takes the Cake is disease and pest resistant. Fertilize plants in the spring and prune them after fruiting to maintain health and productivity.
While rabbiteye blueberries are self-pollinating, planting two or more varieties with similar bloom times encourages cross-pollination, leading to larger yields and bigger berries. Additionally, planting early, mid-season, and late-fruiting varieties extends the blueberry season from early June through the end of summer.
With its superior fruit quality and ease of care, Takes the Cake Rabbiteye Blueberry is a must-have for any garden, providing delicious berries and stunning ornamental appeal.
