Ochlockonee Blueberry Plant – A Late-Season, High-Yielding Powerhouse! 🫐🌿

The Ochlockonee Blueberry (Vaccinium ashei ‘Ochlockonee’) is a high-yielding, late-ripening rabbiteye blueberry variety developed by the University of Georgia. Named after the Ochlockonee River, this variety was bred for its excellent disease resistance, extended fruiting period, and superior fruit quality. It is ideal for growers looking to extend their blueberry harvest into late summer. The Ochlockonee Blueberry produces large, plump berries with a deep blue color and a sweet, mildly tart flavor, making them perfect for fresh eating, baking, and preserving.

🌿 USDA Growing Zones & Chill Hours

• Thrives in USDA Zones 7-10, making it ideal for warm and mild climates
• Requires 500-600 chill hours for optimal fruit production

🌸 Pollination & Fruit Production

• Cross-Pollination Recommended: While partially self-fertile, planting with other rabbiteye varieties increases yield.
• Produces large, firm berries with an excellent balance of sweetness and acidity
• Ripens late in the season, typically from July through early August

🌳 How to Plant & Grow Ochlockonee Blueberries

📍 Best Planting Location

• Full Sun: Requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best fruit production
• Well-Draining, Acidic Soil: Prefers sandy, loamy soil with a pH of 4.5-5.5
• Spacing: Plant bushes 4-6 feet apart in rows spaced 8-10 feet apart

🌱 Step-by-Step Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Soil: Test and adjust pH if needed, adding peat moss or pine bark for acidity.
2. Dig a Hole: Twice the width and depth of the root ball.
3. Position the Plant: Set the plant so the crown is level with the soil surface.
4. Backfill & Water: Fill the hole with soil, gently press it down, and water thoroughly.
5. Mulch: Apply Weed Pro Weed Mats or mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

🌿 Ongoing Care & Maintenance

• 💧 Watering: Water deeply at least twice per week, especially during fruiting season.
• ✂️ Pruning: Light pruning after harvest encourages new growth and removes old branches.
• 🍂 Fertilizing: Use Nutra-Pro 1st Year Fertilizer Paks for steady nutrients and strong root development.
• 🛡️ Protection: Use Max Growth Berry Shelters to protect young plants from harsh weather and pests.

🫐 Fruit Ripening Time, Taste & Uses

• Ripens July through early August
• Produces sweet, plump blueberries with a mild tartness and firm texture
• Perfect for fresh eating, baking, jams, and freezing

🍽️ Delicious Ochlockonee Blueberry Recipes

1. Ochlockonee Blueberry Pie 🥧

• 4 cups fresh Ochlockonee blueberries
• ¾ cup sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 pie crust

Instructions: Mix blueberries with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Pour into a pie crust and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.

2. Ochlockonee Blueberry Pancakes 🥞

• 2 cups fresh Ochlockonee blueberries
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk
• ¼ cup melted butter

Instructions: Mix dry ingredients, then add wet ingredients. Fold in blueberries. Cook on a hot griddle and serve with syrup.

3. Ochlockonee Blueberry Smoothie 🥤

• 1 cup fresh Ochlockonee blueberries
• 1 banana
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp honey

Instructions: Blend all ingredients until smooth. Serve immediately and enjoy!

🌿 Essential Products for Maximum Growth

• ✅ Nutra-Pro 1st Year Fertilizer Paks – Encourages strong root development and high fruit yields.
• ✅ Soil Moist Transplant Mix – Helps retain moisture and prevent transplant stress.
• ✅ Max Growth Berry Shelters – Protects young plants from pests and weather damage.
• ✅ Weed Pro Weed Mats – Prevents weeds from competing for nutrients and moisture.

🛒 Why Buy from Ty Ty Plant Nursery, LLC?

• ✅ Large Selection – Find the best blueberry varieties for your garden.
• ✅ Highest Quality – Healthy, well-rooted plants guaranteed to thrive.
• ✅ Fastest Shipping – Delivered fresh and ready to plant.
• ✅ Free One-Year Plantsurance Guarantee – Receive store credit if your plant doesn’t survive.

🌿 Grow your own Ochlockonee Blueberries today! Order now from Ty Ty Plant Nursery, LLC and enjoy sweet, homegrown blueberries all season long! 🫐🌳