The Takes the Cake Blueberry is one of three fantastic Rabbiteye Blueberries from the Southern Living Plant Collection! This selection produces harvests of flavorful, large blueberries, rich in antioxidants and with an impressive shelf-life. First, petite white flowers appear in early Spring. Then, those flowers develop into delicious fruits that ripen in late May to early June. The Takes the Cake requires 500-550 chill hours (hours between 32-45 degrees Fahrenheit) to produce fruit. This variety is more compact than traditional blueberries. It reaches 4-5 feet high and 3-4 feet wide at maturity. Therefore, it can be mixed into mixed garden beds or used as a hedge without any fear that it will go wild. Plant it with the other two varieties from the collection for maximum fruiting potential, the For Heaven's Sake Blueberry and the Bless Your Heart Blueberry. This variety is hardy from USDA Zones 7-9 and it is deciduous, so it will lose its leaves once freezing temperatures roll around (they will return in Spring). It grows best in Full Sun and should be planted in slightly acidic soil with good drainage. Water your new planting 2-3 times per week for the first growing season. These Blueberry bushes are well-established in 2.5 Quart pots. They will tend to be 12-18 inches tall when shipped. When your plant is ordered will determine whether or not you will have fruit during your plant's first year. If ordered while fruiting, berries may fall off during shipment.