Southern Living Blueberry Bush Downhome Harvest 'I Declare' (1 Gallon)

Blueberry ‘DownHome Harvest® I Declare’ (1 Gallon)

Sweet Harvests, Southern Roots — A Berry Bush to Gather Around

At Wright’s Market, we believe in planting things that bring folks together—whether it’s around the dinner table, in the backyard, or by the garden gate. The ‘I Declare’ Blueberry from the DownHome Harvest® Collection is one of those special plants. With its beautiful shape, bountiful berries, and heritage-inspired name, it invites you to slow down, pick a handful, and savor the sweet things in life.

🫐 Fruit That’s Full of Flavor & Heart

‘I Declare’ is a rabbiteye blueberry, a time-tested Southern variety known for its rich flavor, hardiness, and high yields. Each summer, this lovely shrub produces clusters of juicy, sweet blueberries—perfect for cobblers, canning, or just snacking right off the bush. Its extended harvest period means your family can enjoy fresh berries from early to late summer.

And because it’s part of the DownHome Harvest® Collection, you know it’s bred for beauty, flavor, and reliability in the Southern landscape.

🌞 Where It Grows Best

Ideal for zones 7 through 9, ‘I Declare’ thrives in full sun and well-drained, acidic soil. It’s a low-maintenance choice for kitchen gardens, edible landscapes, or sunny backyards where you want beauty and bounty wrapped into one.

While it is partially self-pollinating, planting it with another rabbiteye variety like 'Bless Your Heart' will boost yield and extend the picking season.

📏 A Perfect Porchside Shrub

This blueberry grows to about 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, with a naturally rounded, bushy form. In spring, it puts on a show with delicate white flowers, followed by its abundant berries, and finishes the year with fiery red and orange fall foliage. It’s a true four-season performer with roots as deep as the Southern tradition of homegrown fruit.

🌼 Caring for ‘I Declare’ is Simple as Pie

• Water regularly, especially during the growing season and fruit development.

• Prune in late winter to remove dead or crowded branches and encourage airflow.

• Apply a soil acidifier or fertilizer made for acid-loving plants like azaleas or camellias.

• Mulch well to keep the roots cool and moist in summer.

Why We Love It:
Blueberry ‘I Declare’ is a reminder that the sweetest things in life are often homegrown. It’s the kind of plant that becomes part of the family—planted by the back steps, picked by little hands, baked into pies with love. Whether you're starting a homestead garden or just adding a fruiting friend to your front yard, this blueberry brings joy, flavor, and a whole lot of heart.

Plant ‘I Declare’ and let every harvest be a declaration of Southern sweetness and simple pleasures.

Planting Guide for ‘I Declare’ Blueberries

Simple Steps to a Bountiful Harvest

1. Choose a Sunny Spot
   Select a location with full sun (at least 6 hours a day) and well-drained soil. Blueberries thrive in slightly acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5). If needed, amend soil with peat moss to enhance acidity.

2. Planting
   Dig a hole about 18 inches wide and 18 inches deep. Gently place your blueberry in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with amended soil, and firm it gently around the base.

3. Watering
   Blueberries need consistent moisture, especially during their first growing season. Water deeply at the base of the plant, making sure the soil stays evenly moist—not soggy.

4. Mulching
   Add a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay. Pine bark or wood chips work well for blueberries.

5. Fertilizing
   Apply a balanced, acid-loving fertilizer in early spring and again in mid-summer to promote healthy growth and berry production.

6. Pruning
   Prune in late winter to remove any dead or damaged branches. As the bush matures, prune to maintain its shape and encourage new growth for the next season's fruit.

Blueberry Cobbler Recipe

A Sweet Southern Delight

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh blueberries (from your ‘I Declare’ bush, of course!)

• 3/4 cup sugar

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 3/4 cup milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.

2. In a bowl, combine the blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Stir gently and set aside for a few minutes to allow the juices to release.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract, and stir until smooth.

4. Pour the blueberry mixture into a greased 9-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.

5. Spoon the batter over the top of the blueberries, spreading it as evenly as possible. It may not cover entirely, but that's okay—this will create a delicious topping.

6. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the blueberries are bubbling around the edges.

7. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate Southern treat!

Enjoy a Taste of Homegrown Sweetness
Every bite of this cobbler is a reminder of the simple joys in life. Whether gathered straight from your garden or shared at a family gathering, this dessert brings the warmth of Southern hospitality to any occasion.