Blueberry Bushes – Chandler

Q: I’m planning to plant two blueberry bushes and have seen several pieces about the Chandler variety. You recommend rabbiteye blueberries, but I can’t find whether Chandler is a rabbiteye or not.

A: Chandler’ bears huge berries but it’s a highbush blueberry, not the better-adapted rabbiteye type. University of Georgia blueberry expert Scott Nesmith says it needs too many winter chill hours to do well here. Summer heat might harm it in some years. You’re welcome to gamble but ‘Alapaha’, ‘Brightwell’ and ‘Ochlockonee’ will likely be more successful.