Blueberry 'Sweetcrisp' (Vaccinium corymbosum)
Crunchy-Sweet Southern Blueberry with Big Flavor and Low Chill
Sweetcrisp Blueberry is one of the most exciting blueberry cultivars for Southern growers—named for its signature crunch and intense sweetness that stands out in every bite. Bred in Florida, this variety thrives in warm climates with low chill hours and fruits in the spring, making it a top choice for gardeners in Zones 7–10 who want to grow high-quality berries with commercial-grade taste right at home.
The 'Sweetcrisp' blueberry is a highly vigorous southern highbush type, growing 4-6 feet, with excellent field survival and mid-season fruiting requiring less than 100 chill hours. The berries are medium to large, with an extra crisp firm skin and ultra-sweet flavor—perfect for snacking, baking, or freezing. This upright, compact bush also features beautiful bright green foliage, beautiful spring blooms, and fiery fall color, making it just as ornamental as it is edible.
Why You'll Love It:
- Produces ultra-sweet, crunchy blueberries with standout flavor
- Perfect for Southern gardens with low chill hour requirementsGreat for fresh eating, baking, and smoothies
- Compact, upright bush is both beautiful and productive
- Self-fertile but benefits from a pollinator variety nearby
Growing Tips:
- Plant in full sun with acidic, well-draining soil
- Mulch with pine bark or pine needles to retain moisture and boost acidity
- Water consistently—blueberries love evenly moist soil
- Prune lightly after harvest to maintain shape and airflow
- Add a second variety nearby (like ‘Florida Rose’ or ‘Pink Lemonade’) for bigger yields
| Scientific Name | Vaccinium spp. 'Sweetcrisp' |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Sweetcrisp Blueberry |
| Family | Ericaceae (Heath Family) |
| Origin | Southeastern U.S. (Florida breeding program) |
| Plant Type | Fruiting Shrub |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Food Forest Layer | Shrub / Understory Layer |
| Mature Size | 4–5 ft tall and wide |
| Light | Full Sun |
| Water Needs | Moderate |
| Harvest Season | Late Spring to Early Summer |
| Time to Fruit | 1–2 years from planting |
| Self-Fertile | Yes, but better yields with cross-pollination |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Zones | USDA Zones 7–10, with frost protection in Zone 7 |
| Florida Native | No (adapted for Florida growing conditions) |
| Propagation | Cuttings, Tissue Culture |
| Seasonal Characteristics | Deciduous; white flowers in spring, red foliage in fall |
Wondering about your USDA Growing Zone and what you can grow? 🌎🌿 Learn how to find your Zone and grow tropical plants anywhere—Florida to Alaska! 👉 Read the full blog here!
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