Reka Highbush Blueberry

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

4-6 Feet

Mature Spread

4 - 6 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 7

Reka Highbush Blueberry, or Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Reka’, is a drought tolerant, fast-growing, early-fruiting perennial with impressive yields of delicious blueberries. The Reka blooms in late spring with clusters of beautiful, white, fluted blossoms that soon give way to masses of fragrant, medium-to-large berries. These blue berries, which ripen in early July, are plump and full of rich flavor. In the fall, the deep-green, ovate foliage of the Reka flushes to a brilliant red, lending this evergreen even more ornamental appeal. The berries of this variety make it a must have for blueberry lovers. The crisp, flavorful blueberries of the Reka are perfect for fresh eating or processing, and make delightful baked goods and jams. They are exceptionally nutritious and high in bioflavonoids.

Reka Highbush Blueberry is semi self-fertile, which means it can produce some fruit when planted as a single specimen, but should be paired with other highbush varieties to produce better yields. You will see your Reka produce berries a year or two after planting. Prune your Reka annually, in the winter when the plant is dormant. For general upkeep during the growing season, remove willowy or small twigs to encourage growth on more substantial branches. The wood is known for being slightly fragile, so prune with care.

Reka Highbush Blueberry Bush Care

Plant your dormant Reka Highbush in early spring. You can also plant your Reka in the late fall, but be sure to mulch the base of your plant to prevent heaving. Space your blueberry plants from 5 to 6 feet apart, and make sure they have plenty of space. The Reka performs best when grown in full to partial sun, and moist, slightly acidic soil with good drainage. Soil pH should be between 4.5 and 5.0 for optimal growth. The Reka Highbush Blueberry is hardy and adaptable, and relatively pest and disease free. It is occasionally susceptible to blueberry maggots, fruit worms, blight, rot, canker, and fungal diseases that can damage the plant and shrivel the berries. Watch your Reka for signs of distress. Additionally, the blueberries attract wildlife of all kinds, so it may be necessary to cover your bushes to protect them from hungry birds and critters. 

Growing Reka Highbush Blueberry Bushes

Your Reka will grow to a mature height of 4 to 6 feet with an equal spread, giving this bush a fluffy, mounded appearance. It is a low-maintenance, vigorous grower. You should deadhead the flower blossoms of your Reka for the first year after planting to encourage nutrient integration into the plant. You can grow your Reka Highbush Blueberries indoors, so long as your plant receives sufficient chill hours, at least 1,000 hours, and 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight. The Reka will require additional water when planted indoors.  

Growing Reka Highbush Blueberries in Containers

Because of their tolerance to heat and drought, Reka Highbush Blueberries make excellent container plants. They are fantastic additions to edible, rock, and woodland gardens, and can be grown in pots and bags, so long as they are sufficient in size. Mature plants will need containers that are at least 24 inches deep and 24 to 30 inches wide. 

Watering Reka Highbush Blueberry Bushes

Although they are drought tolerant, the Reka Highbush Blueberry should be watered regularly to maximize fruit production. Additional watering, 2 to 3 times per week, is necessary until the bush has been established and the roots have taken hold. Spread a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch at the base of the plant to help retain moisture. If your Reka does not receive adequate water, it will grow slowly and produce much smaller yields.

Feeding Reka Highbush Blueberry Bushes

Expert gardeners who grow Reka will suggest a compost and sawdust mixture applied as mulch to the base of the plant to achieve maximum potential and yields. Cottonseed meal makes an excellent fertilizer for your Reka, and can be applied in the early spring before the plant begins to grow anew. You can also use any slow-release fertilizer on your Reka.