Bred from northern highbush crossed with southern evergreen species, these need as little as 150–400 chill hours and fruit — often weeks earlier than northern types — in zones 5–10. The right answer for Florida, the Gulf, Southern California, and mild-winter gardens everywhere.
Early southern harvests and hot summers
Southern Highbush Zones 5–9
Early · Medium-large berries · 4–6 ft tall · ~150–300 chill hours
Young plant, typical range
Typically $20–32 for a young plant at US nurseries — checked October 23, 2026
Where to buy
Full variety profile →Best flavor in the South
Southern Highbush Zones 5–9
Early — long picking window · Large berries · 4–6 ft tall · ~400 chill hours
Young plant, typical range
Typically $20–32 for a young plant at US nurseries — checked October 23, 2026
Where to buy
Full variety profile →Low-chill commercial-quality fruit in the Deep South
Southern Highbush Zones 7–10
Early · Large, firm berries · 5–6 ft tall · ~250 chill hours
Young plant, typical range
Typically $22–35 for a young plant at US nurseries — checked October 23, 2026
Where to buy
Full variety profile →The largest southern berries
Southern Highbush Zones 7–10
Early to mid · Very large berries · 5–6 ft tall · ~200–300 chill hours
Young plant, typical range
Typically $22–35 for a young plant at US nurseries — checked October 23, 2026
Where to buy
Full variety profile →Zone 7–8 gardeners who want highbush flavor
Southern Highbush (hardy) Zones 5–8
Mid to late · Large, firm berries · 5–6 ft tall · ~500–600 chill hours
Young plant, typical range
Typically $22–35 for a young plant at US nurseries — checked October 23, 2026
Where to buy
Full variety profile →Warm-climate patios — the low-chill dwarf
Southern Highbush — Dwarf Zones 5–10
Mid to late · Medium berries · 3 ft tall · ~150 chill hours
Young plant, typical range
Typically $22–35 for a young plant; a popular 1-gal patio size runs higher — checked October 23, 2026
Where to buy
Full variety profile →