Arandano Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Arandano’)
If you want a fruiting shrub that earns its space, blueberries are hard to beat. Arandano Blueberry is listed as Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Arandano’ and fits the classic “highbush blueberry” profile—upright canes, fine roots, and clusters of berries that shift from green to pinkish to deep blue as they ripen. In Florida planting zone 9, blueberries are most successful when treated as an acid-loving specialty crop: the right soil chemistry matters as much as sun and water.
The payoff is a plant that looks good and feeds people and pollinators. In late winter to spring, blueberries bloom with small white-to-pale-pink bell flowers that pull in bees. After bloom, berries swell and color up through the warm season window—often earlier than northern blueberries—when the shrubs are managed well.
Note for gardeners: the name “Arandano” is also commonly used as the Spanish word for blueberry in some listings. If your plant tag, invoice, or nursery page does not clearly identify ‘Arandano’ as a named cultivar, treat this as a highbush / southern highbush-style blueberry and confirm chill requirement and pollination needs with the seller.
Any reference to medicinal or culinary use of plants or plant parts should in no way be considered an endorsement by The Ocala Food Forest or its staff. Research is crucial in safe and proper consumption or experimentational use of any plant.
Plant Information
| Scientific Name: | Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Arandano’ |
|---|---|
| Family Name: | Ericaceae (Heath family) |
| Common Name(s): | Highbush Blueberry, Southern Highbush Blueberry (common Florida category), Arandano Blueberry |
| Size: | Typically 4–6 ft tall and 3–5 ft wide (varies by cultivar and pruning) |
| Plant Type: | Fruit-bearing shrub; perennial (highbush types may be deciduous to semi-evergreen in warm winters) |
| Origin/Geographic Distribution: | Species native to eastern North America; most Florida-grown blueberries are southern highbush hybrids selected for low chill and early fruiting |
| Native to: | Eastern North America (species level); cultivated types are domesticated selections/hybrids |
| Planted range in the USA: | Commonly grown in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Michigan, and Oregon/Washington (production varies by type) |
| Conservation Status: | Not listed as threatened or endangered (cultivated plant) |
| Florida Status: | Florida-Friendly when planted in appropriate conditions; not considered invasive |
Cultivation
| Planting: | Plant in fall through early spring so roots establish before summer heat; use raised beds or mounded rows if drainage is marginal |
|---|---|
| Sun Exposure: | Full sun (best fruit set and sweetness); tolerates partial shade but yields often drop |
| Soil Type: | Well-drained, high-organic soil (pine bark fines, composted pine products, and peat blends are common); avoid heavy clay without amendment |
| Soil pH: | Acidic: ideally ~4.5–5.5 (critical for nutrient uptake) |
| Water Requirements: | Moderate to high; consistent moisture is essential, especially during bloom/fruit fill—keep soil evenly moist, not waterlogged |
| Fertilizer Requirements: | Moderate; use an acid-forming fertilizer formulated for blueberries/azaleas, applied in small split doses during active growth. |
| Pruning Requirements: | Annual pruning improves airflow and berry size; remove weak/old canes, thin crowded growth, and keep a strong framework of productive canes |
| Growth Rate: | Medium (about 8–18 inches of new growth per year once established; faster with ideal acidity, water, and fertility) |
| Companion Planting: | Best with other acid-loving plants and low-competition groundcovers that protect soil moisture (keep stems away from the crown to prevent rot) |
Tolerance and Hardiness
| Drought Tolerance: | Low to moderate; plants can decline quickly if the shallow root zone dries—mulch and irrigation are key |
|---|---|
| Frost Tolerance: | Moderate; mature plants can handle brief cold, but open blooms and small fruit are frost-sensitive |
| Heat Tolerance: | Good; performs well in Florida heat when soil moisture and acidity are maintained |
| Wind Tolerance: | Moderate; wind can desiccate blooms and increase fruit drop—use windbreaks where exposure is high |
| Salt Tolerance: | Low; avoid direct coastal exposure and salty irrigation water |
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: | Varies by type; southern highbush blueberries are commonly used in 8–10/11 microclimates, while other blueberry types fit cooler zones |
Flower and Fruit Information
| Fruit Type: | Berry (blueberry) |
|---|---|
| Harvest Time: | Typically spring into early summer in Florida (varies by cultivar). Harvest when berries are fully blue with a dull “bloom” and detach easily with a gentle roll; if they tug firmly, give them more time |
| Fruit Description: | Sweet-tart berries in clusters; flavor and size depend on cultivar, soil acidity, and water during fruit fill |
| Edible Plant: | Yes (fruit) |
| Edible Parts: | Berries (fresh, frozen, cooked) |
| Medicinal: | Traditionally valued as a nutrient-dense fruit; blueberries contain fiber and naturally occurring antioxidants (not medical advice) |
| Flower Color: | White to pale pink |
| Flower Shape: | Small, bell-shaped (urn-shaped) blossoms |
| Fragrance: | Light to mild |
| Flower Bloom Time: | Late winter to spring (typically February–April in Florida, depending on chill and weather) |
| Bloom Duration: | Several weeks; bloom timing can stretch with fluctuating winter/spring temperatures |
| Pollination: Self or Other? | Many blueberries are partially self-fertile, but cross-pollination with another compatible blueberry variety usually improves fruit set and berry size; bees are the primary pollinators |
Wildlife
| Attracts: | Bees during bloom; birds and small wildlife may target ripe fruit |
|---|---|
| Pollinators: | Native bees, honeybees, and bumblebees are key pollinators for good fruit set |
| Problematic Pest: | Common issues include birds, aphids, mites, thrips, and fruit-feeding pests depending on season and location. |
Health and Safety
| Toxic: | No, blueberries are generally considered non-toxic |
|---|---|
| Poisonous Parts of Plant: | None commonly recognized as poisonous |
| Toxic to Humans: | Not toxic; rare sensitivities/allergies are possible with any food plant |
| Toxic to Animals: | Generally non-toxic; ripe berries are commonly eaten by wildlife (monitor pets to avoid stomach upset from overeating) |
| Plant Diseases to be aware of: | Phytophthora Root Rot, Stem Blight, Anthracnose (Fruit Rot), Leaf Spot, Powdery Mildew, and Bacterial Leaf Scorch |
Companion Planting
For Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Arandano’ (Arandano Blueberry), the best companions support an acidic soil ecology, protect moisture, and bring pollinators—without competing heavily at the shrub’s base. Below are Florida Native and Florida Friendly options that pair well with blueberry culture.
Florida Native: Darrow’s Blueberry (Vaccinium darrowii)
Zone Range: 7–10
Benefits: Florida-native blueberry relative; supports pollinators and can improve cross-pollination in mixed plantings.
Use: Plant as a lower shrub on the edge of a blueberry bed to diversify bloom timing and habitat value.
Florida Native: Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera)
Zone Range: 7–11
Benefits: Tolerates acidic soils; adds biomass and can function as a partial windbreak; supports beneficial insects.
Use: Place on the perimeter of the planting as a nurse/windbreak shrub (keep adequate spacing for sun and airflow).
Florida Native: Gallberry (Ilex glabra)
Zone Range: 7–11
Benefits: Thrives in acidic conditions; flowers are excellent bee forage, increasing pollinator traffic near blueberries.
Use: Plant nearby (not shading the blueberries) to build a pollinator corridor and evergreen structure.
Florida Friendly: Rabbiteye Blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum)
Zone Range: 7–9/10 (cultivar-dependent)
Benefits: Another blueberry type that can improve pollination and extend harvest windows when compatible varieties are used.
Use: Plant a second blueberry type/variety (with matching bloom overlap) to boost fruit set and berry size.
Florida Friendly: Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)
Zone Range: 7–10 (varies by species/variety)
Benefits: Acid-loving ornamental that shares similar soil preferences; supports pollinators when blooming.
Use: Use as a nearby companion in an “acid bed” landscape design—keep blueberries in the sunniest position.
Florida Friendly: Camellia (Camellia sasanqua / C. japonica)
Zone Range: 7–10
Benefits: Another acid-friendly shrub; adds evergreen structure and seasonal bloom without conflicting soil chemistry.
Use: Place as a backdrop shrub outside the blueberry root zone; prune to maintain light penetration.
Keep competition low at the crown: maintain a thick pine-based mulch ring and avoid planting dense stems right against the blueberry base. Prioritize soil acidity (test pH), consistent moisture, and airflow. For best fruiting, plant at least two compatible blueberry varieties with overlapping bloom times when possible, and protect ripening fruit from birds.
Sources & References
Reference list used for general horticultural guidance and Florida-relevant best practices (not medical advice):
- UF/IFAS EDIS — Blueberry Production in Florida (HS1245) — Florida context on blueberry types, climate fit, and industry/breeding background.
- UF/IFAS EDIS — Evergreen Production System for Southern Highbush Blueberries in Florida (HS1362) — Florida-specific guidance on southern highbush management considerations (useful even for home growers).
- UF/IFAS EDIS Publication Database — research-based references for soil, fertilization, pests, and disease management.
- Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program — sustainable, water-wise landscape best practices for Florida yards.
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map — zone reference framework for planting suitability.