Nursery Growing Information
How To Grow Blueberry Plants
Blueberry Bush Growing Information
- Blueberries love acidic soil – shoot for pH 4.0 to 5.5. This is arguably the most important item on this list for your plants to thrive. Use soil sulfur to lower pH.
- Sandy loam soils are ideal for your roots to not have wet feet. A well draining soil prevents root rot.
- Obtain the best blueberry cultivars for your area. Check your hardiness zone and compare it to the cultivar that is hardy where you live.
- Full sun is best, plant away from trees and shade. Proper air flow keeps your plants healthy and free of disease.
- Blueberry bushes love to be pruned. Prune off dead and twiggy wood. Remove any cross branching- aim to keep the middles clear to improve air flow. Try to limit canes to no older than 6-8 years. Remember blueberry fruiting comes from prior years growth and older canes don’t produce like younger canes.
- Plants prefer high organic soils- adding peat moss will keep your blueberry bushes happy for years to come.
- Mulching will keep weeds down, keep roots moist, protect plants during the winter and add organic matter over time. I like to use aged pine sawdust, pine bark, pine needles, and softwood chips.
- During growing season, make sure your plants get about 1 inch of water per week. It’s best to water roots with drip line and keep the leaves dry.
- Plant during the spring to take full advantage of spring rains or during the fall to give roots time to establish.
- Feed your plants with fertilizer. I recommend Holly-Tone, a time released fertilizer like Osmocote, or a nitrogen source like blood meal or ammonium sulfate.