Plant nutrition and fertilization. Apply fertilizers uniformly around the drip line of the plant and one foot outward, but never near the base of the plant. Fertilizer application stimulates plant growth, increases berry size, and boosts total production. Choose one of the fertilizers in Table 3, and apply the amount indicated. If you choose another fertilizer, you will need to calculate the proper amount to use.
Summer pruning for removal of broken and diseased branches is a good practice.
It may also be necessary to prune the bushes for size control during the summer. If left unpruned, rabbiteye bushes may grow to a height of 25 feet or more. Pruning for size control may be done with pruners or a hedge clipper, and should be done soon after harvest. Cut the sides of the bushes back to narrow the rows to a convenient width. Also, cut the tops of the bushes back to about eye level.