Blueberry Brightwell

Blueberry 'Brightwell'

Blueberry ‘Brightwell’ is a popular rabbiteye variety prized for its high yields, heat tolerance, and reliable mid-season harvest. Well-suited for Southern climates (zones 7–9), ‘Brightwell’ produces clusters of medium-sized, sweet berries that are perfect for fresh eating, baking, or preserving. It blooms late, helping to avoid frost damage, but ripens earlier than many other rabbiteye types—usually starting in early to mid-summer.

With an upright, vigorous growth habit, this variety can reach 6–8 feet tall at maturity. It’s a long-lived shrub that not only offers tasty fruit but also adds ornamental value to the landscape with its attractive foliage. While ‘Brightwell’ is partially self-fertile, it performs best when planted with another rabbiteye variety such as ‘Tifblue’ or ‘Powderblue’ to ensure cross-pollination and maximize yield.

A dependable and productive choice for home gardeners and growers alike, ‘Brightwell’ is an excellent addition to any berry patch.

Care Instructions

Planting:

Plant in full sun with acidic, well-draining soil. Space bushes 5–6 feet apart to allow for mature growth.

Watering:

Water regularly to maintain even soil moisture, especially during flowering and fruiting.

Pruning:

Prune in late winter to remove dead wood and thin older canes. This encourages better air circulation and fruit production.

Pest Control:

Use bird netting during fruiting. Monitor for aphids and scale insects. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap as needed.

Soil Tips:

Requires acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5). Amend with peat moss or pine bark. Mulch with pine straw to retain moisture and suppress weeds.