How to prune rabbiteye blueberry

Late winter to early spring while dormant, before new growth begins. Each year, remove 1–3 of the oldest canes at the base to stimulate new basal canes. Tip back long, arching shoots to keep fruit within picking reach. Open the centre by removing crossing and congested branches. Aim to keep a mixed-age framework of vigorous, productive canes.

Annually, every late winter. Rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum) is a vigorous, long-lived southern US species that grows taller than highbush types and needs annual pruning to stay manageable and productive. Prune in late winter. Remove the oldest, thickest canes at the base, open up the centre, and tip back long shoots. Without regular pruning, plants become overly tall and fruit production moves out of reach.

Each year, remove 1–3 of the oldest canes at the base to stimulate new basal canes. Tip back long, arching shoots to keep fruit within picking reach. Open the centre by removing crossing and congested branches. Aim to keep a mixed-age framework of vigorous, productive canes.