These plants ship November through May from Pense Berry Farms in Mountainburg, Arkansas. Orders placed between May 21 and October 31 ship in November and December. Online orders of products from Pense Berry Farms require a $150.00 minimum. For smaller orders, please contact us.
2 year old plants, 16-20 inches tall. 1 Liter container.
Biloxi Southern Highbush Blueberry
Key Characteristics
Origin: 'Biloxi' is a Southern Highbush blueberry cultivar (Vaccinium corymbosum hybrid) developed and released by the Agricultural Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (ARS/USDA) breeding programs in Beltsville, MD, and Poplarville, MS, in 1998. It was bred for adaptation to low to no chill areas.
Patent Status: The "Biloxi" blueberry plant cultivar, a southern highbush blueberry, is not patented. It is a well-established variety developed by the USDA Agricultural Research Service, known for its low-chill requirements and suitability for warm climates.
Berry Production: Produces medium-sized, light blue berries that are very firm with a small stem scar. It is known for its early and abundant yields and is considered one of the best-tasting Southern Highbush varieties with a wonderful, distinct flavor.
Ripening Time: 'Biloxi' is one of the earliest ripening Southern Highbush blueberries, typically maturing early in the season. It ripens significantly earlier (14 to 21 days) than the earliest ripening Rabbiteye cultivars.
Plant Size and Appearance: 'Biloxi' has a vigorous, upright and spreading bushy growth habit, typically reaching a mature height of 5 to 6 feet and a spread of 3 to 4 feet. It is recommended for low to no chill areas (150 hours or less) where it is often fully evergreen. The foliage is green.
Flowers: Blooms early, around the same time as 'Climax' Rabbiteye blueberry.
Hardiness: 'Biloxi' is best suited for USDA Zones 8a through 10b due to its low chilling requirement (100-200 chill hours below 45°F).
Pollination: Although blueberries are self-fertile, cross-pollination with another compatible Southern Highbush variety with a similar bloom time is recommended for the best fruit crop (larger berries and larger yields). 'Misty' and 'Star' are suggested as potential pollinators.
Growing Conditions:
Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight) for optimal fruit production.
Soil: Prefers acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5 that is well-drained and rich in organic matter.
Watering: Needs consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruit development. The shallow, fibrous roots prefer consistently moist but well-drained soil.
Fertilizing: Benefits from fertilization in early spring with an acid-forming fertilizer specifically formulated for blueberries.
Pruning: Should be pruned during the dormant season to remove dead or crossing branches and to encourage new growth.
Uses: The early, firm, and flavorful berries are excellent for:
Fresh eating
Extending the early blueberry season in very warm climates
Other culinary uses.
Wildlife Value: The flowers attract pollinators, and the berries are a food source for birds.
Ornamental Value: Its upright, bushy habit and potential for evergreen foliage in warm climates can make it an attractive landscape plant.
Disease and Pest Resistance: Information on specific disease and pest resistance should be sought from agricultural extension services or research publications.
