Biloxi Blueberry – Overview (Ideal for Warmer Areas)
Biloxi (sometimes seen as Biloxy) is a Southern Highbush blueberry cultivar developed by Mississippi State University, and it’s well-suited for warm to hot climates with very low to zero chill hours.Krishi JagranOne Green WorldGrowing Out The BoxHortiforum
Why It's Great for Warm Regions
Zero or Low Chill Requirement: Biloxi thrives in regions with minimal winter chill—typically under 150 hours—or even no chill at all.Krishi JagranOne Green WorldHortiforum
Evergreen Habit: In frost-free climates, the plant can remain evergreen, offering attractive foliage year-round.One Green WorldGrowing Out The Box
Heat and Drought Tolerance: As a Southern Highbush hybrid, Biloxi is well-adapted to hot, humid conditions and displays greater drought resilience than many northern varieties.blueberry.cals.ncsu.eduGrowing Out The Boxnevaplantations.com
Early Harvest: It flowers in early spring (March–April) and yields fruit by late spring or early summer (June–July).Growing Out The BoxOne Green WorldGardening Tips
Plant Characteristics & Fruit Quality
Growth Habit: Vigorous, bushy, and spreading—matures around 5 feet in both height and width.One Green WorldGrowing Out The BoxKrishi Jagran
Fruit Traits: Produces medium-sized, light-blue berries that are firm, crack-resistant, and highly flavorful—firm texture makes them great for fresh eating or handling.One Green WorldPlantophilesGrowing Out The Box
Flavor & Yield: Known for a distinct sweet flavor and reliable, abundant yields (15–20 lbs per plant annually).One Green WorldKrishi JagranGardening Tips
Disease Resistance: Offers some resilience against common issues like mummy berry and anthracnose.Gardening Tips
Cultivation Tips for Warm Climates
Cross-Pollination: Biloxi is partially self-fertile, but planting it with another Southern Highbush variety that blooms at the same time (e.g., Emerald or Misty) can improve yields and fruit size.Growing Out The BoxOne Green Worldblueberry.cals.ncsu.edu
As shared by a gardener on Reddit:
“I have sunshine blue, misty, O’Neil, biloxi… best growth are Misty and pink lemonade…”Reddit
Soil & Sunlight: Prefers well-drained, acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5) and thrives in full sun—or partial shade during very hot periods.One Green WorldKrishi Jagrannevaplantations.comPaudhshala
Watering & Mulch: In hot climates, consistent watering is key. Mulching helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. A gardener noted they must water every day or every other day in containers.Reddit
Pruning & Maintenance: Prune dead or non-fruiting branches in late winter; after harvest, prune to leave new fruiting wood. Use acid fertilizers in early spring.One Green World
Bird Protection: Use netting or Mylar tape to deter birds from snacking on the ripe fruit.One Green World