Nursery Growing Information

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.