Expert Tips on How to Grow Blueberries Successfully
When we first moved to the country, having a blueberry patch was always a dream. Years after planting our bushes and a lot of patience, trial and error, I can say that it has been all worth it!
Thanks to a few tricks Jared has mastered, we have been able to harvest luscious, healthy blueberries for several seasons now.
Blueberries are a delight to have in the garden, and picking straight from them for a yummy, healthy, sweet treat is one of my (and Ava’s!) favorite things to do. Our bushes are now at a stage where they are so bountiful that I often have too many to know what to do with!
So, if you’re ready to grow your own blueberries and experience the same joy, keep reading for all our tips on how to grow blueberries successfully!
Contents:
why grow blueberries
I am no expert, but there is a ton of research out there that talks about how amazing blueberries are for your body. They are packed full of antioxidants and good-for-you-properties.
Here are some advantages to growing blueberries:
Nutritional Benefits: Blueberries contain antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. They are also an excellent source of vitamins C and K, essential for immune function and bone health. Blueberries can lower your blood pressure, reduce LDL cholesterol levels, and improve your overall heart health.
Pollinator Friendly: Blueberry plants attract bees and other pollinators, supporting the health of your garden's ecosystem.
Low Maintenance: Once established, blueberry bushes are relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and general upkeep.
Perennial Growth: Blueberries are perennial plants, meaning they will return year after year, providing a continuous harvest with proper care.
Erosion Control: The roots of blueberry plants help stabilize soil, making them a good choice for erosion-prone areas.
Cost-Effective: Growing your own blueberries can save money over time, especially considering the cost of fresh blueberries in stores.
Versatile Ingredient: Blueberries can be used in a variety of recipes, from smoothies and salads to baked goods and preserves.
Fresh and Delicious: There’s nothing quite like the taste of freshly picked blueberries, which are sweeter and more flavorful than store-bought ones.
WHich variety should you grow?
When researching varieties, consider your climate and zone, soil conditions, and when you want to harvest; some varieties produce early, mid, or late-season berries.
highbush Blueberries:
Northern Highbush:
Varieties: ‘Bluecrop,’ ‘Blueray,’ ‘Jersey,’ ‘Patriot,’ ‘Duke’, ‘Nelson’
Characteristics: These are the most common blueberry varieties, well-suited to regions with cold winters (USDA Zones 4-7).
Height: 5-9 feet tall
Fruit: Large berries with a sweet-tart flavor, good for fresh eating and preserving.
Southern Highbush:
Varieties: ‘O’Neal,’ ‘Misty,’ ‘Jewel,’ ‘Emerald,’ ‘Sunshine Blue’
Characteristics: Adapted to warmer climates (USDA Zones 7-10), these are hybrids of Northern Highbush and native southern species.
Height: 4-6 feet tall
Fruit: Medium to large berries with a mild, sweet flavor.
Lowbush Blueberries
Varieties: ‘Top Hat,’ ‘Brunswick,’ ‘Burgundy’
Characteristics: Native to colder regions, these low-growing bushes are hardy and thrive in poor, acidic soils (USDA Zones 3-6).
Height: 1-2 feet tall
Fruit: Small, intensely flavored berries, often used for jams, baking, and wild blueberry products.
Rabbiteye Blueberries
Varieties: ‘Brightwell,’ ‘Titanblue,’ ‘Powderblue,’ ‘Premier,’ ‘Climax’, ‘Vernon’
Characteristics: Native to the southeastern United States, these are highly heat-tolerant and resistant to disease (USDA Zones 7-9).
Height: 6-10 feet tall
Fruit: Medium-sized berries with a sweet flavor, often harvested late in the season.
Half-High Blueberries:
Varieties: ‘Northblue,’ ‘Northcountry,’ ‘Northland,’ ‘St. Cloud’
Characteristics: These are hybrids of highbush and lowbush blueberries, combining the hardiness of lowbush with the larger fruit size of highbush (USDA Zones 3-7).
Height: 1.5-4 feet tall
Fruit: Medium-sized berries with good flavor, perfect for colder climates.
Legacy Blueberries:
Variety: ‘Legacy’
Characteristics: Known for being one of the best-tasting blueberries, this variety is a cross between Northern and Southern Highbush (USDA Zones 5-8).
Height: 4-6 feet tall
Fruit: Medium to large berries with a sweet and complex flavor, good for fresh eating and baking.
WE PLANTED
Vernon-Rabbiteye variety - We got this variety because it blooms late so it avoids being damaged by late frosts, which can happen all the time here in Georgia. They have large fruit and are super sweet!
Titan Blue-Rabbiteye variety - grows to be very large! Some can be the size of quarters!
Powder Blue-Rabbiteye variety- These blueberries are medium-sized, firm, and full of flavor.
when to plant blueberries
Blueberries can be planted during specific times of the year, depending on your climate and soil condition.
Here’s a guide:
Early Spring (March to April)
Ideal for Most Climates: This is the best time to plant blueberries in most regions, particularly in areas with cold winters.
Soil Conditions: The ground should be thawed and workable. Planting in early spring allows the blueberry bushes to establish roots before the growing season.
Transplanting: Spring is a good time to transplant container-grown blueberries because the plants are still dormant or just beginning to break dormancy.
Northern Climates (USDA Zones 3-6): Early spring planting is preferable to give plants the entire growing season to establish.
Late Fall (October to November)
Best for Mild Winter Areas: In regions with milder winters, planting blueberries in late fall can be beneficial. The plants can begin establishing roots during the cooler months.
Soil Preparation: Ensure the soil is well-drained and not frozen. This timing gives the plants a head start in the spring.
Protection: In colder areas, protect young plants with mulch to insulate the roots from potential frost.
Southern Climates (USDA Zones 7-10): Late fall or early spring planting is ideal, with the option of planting in late fall to avoid the intense summer heat.
where to plant blueberries
When we planted our blueberry bushes, friends who own a blueberry farm expressed how important the location is. We believe this was a huge factor in our patch’s success. Choosing the right location to plant blueberries is crucial for their growth and fruit production.
Here’s what to consider when selecting a planting site:
Sunlight
Blueberries thrive in full sun! They require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. This is essential for strong growth, good fruit production, and the best flavor development.
While blueberries can tolerate partial shade, too much shade will reduce yields and result in smaller, less flavorful berries. So, for this reason, you want to plant them away from other taller trees.
Soil Type
Blueberries require acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. Test your soil before planting and amend it if necessary to achieve the right pH level.
Blueberries have shallow, fibrous roots that do not tolerate waterlogged conditions. To prevent root rot, ensure the soil is well-drained.
Loamy or sandy soils are ideal for blueberries. Heavy clay soils may need to be amended with organic matter, like peat moss, to improve drainage and acidity.
READ MORE: How to make the best organic garden soil
Space and Air Circulation
Depending on the variety, space blueberry bushes 4-6 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation, which helps prevent diseases and promotes healthy growth.
If you are planting multiple rows, space them 8-10 feet apart to ensure enough room for growth and maintenance.
Water Availability
Blueberries need consistent moisture, especially during the first few years. Choose a location near a water source for easy watering, especially in dry periods.
You can apply mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds.
Protection from Wind and Frost
Grow your blueberries in a location that is sheltered from strong winds, which can dry out the plants and damage branches.
In colder climates, avoid planting in low-lying areas where cold air tends to settle, creating frost pockets that can damage blossoms in spring.
how to grow blueberries
Okay, so now it is time to get to the good stuff: planting and growing your beautiful blueberry bushes!
Growing blueberries successfully involves selecting the right variety, preparing the soil, planting, and ongoing care.
Here's what we have done:
1. Choose the Right Variety:
Select a blueberry variety suited to your climate (e.g., Northern Highbush for colder climates, Southern Highbush or Rabbiteye for warmer climates).
While some varieties are self-pollinating, planting two or more varieties can improve fruit set and yield. We recommend 3-4 plants to start your patch!
2. Prepare the Soil
As I mentioned earlier, your soil is very important. When we dug our blueberry holes, we made sure to apply fertilizer and the necessary nutrients before planting.
Blueberries need acidic soil with a pH of 4.5-5.5. Use a soil test kit to determine your soil’s pH. If the pH is too high, lower it by adding sulfur or peat moss. Ensure the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter.
If your soil has poor drainage, consider planting in raised beds or large containers filled with acidic potting mix.
3. Planting The Blueberry Plants
Plant blueberries in early spring or late fall, depending on your climate.
Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. Place the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
Plants should be spaced 4-6 feet apart, and rows 8-10 feet apart, depending on the variety.
Backfill the hole with soil, gently firm it around the roots, and water thoroughly to settle the soil.
4. Mulching
Mulch Material: To retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain soil temperature, apply a 2-4 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plants. Pine needles, wood chips, or bark are ideal.
5. Watering
Blueberries need consistent moisture, especially during their first growing season. Water deeply once a week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
growing blueberries in pots
Growing blueberries in pots is a great option, especially if you have limited garden space or if your soil isn't ideal for blueberries!
Here's how to grow them successfully in containers:
1. Choosing the Right Pot
Use a large pot, at least 18-24 inches in diameter and depth. Blueberries have shallow roots, but they need room to spread and grow.
Ensure the container has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which blueberries are sensitive to.
2. Selecting a Blueberry Variety
Choose smaller or dwarf varieties that are well-suited to containers. Good options include: ‘Top Hat’, ‘Jelly Bean’, ‘Sunshine Blue’, ‘Patriot’
3. Potting Mix
Blueberries need acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. Use an acidic potting mix, such as one formulated for azaleas or rhododendrons. Alternatively, you can create your own mix by combining peat moss, pine bark, and perlite or sand to ensure good drainage and acidity.
4. Planting the Blueberries
Fill the pot with your acidic potting mix, leaving enough space to plant the blueberry bush. Place the blueberry plant in the pot so that the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the soil surface.
Water the plant well after planting to help settle the soil around the roots.
5. Sunlight Requirements
Place the pot in a location where it will receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Blueberries need full sun for optimal fruit production.
6. Watering
Blueberries in pots dry out faster than those in the ground, so regular watering is essential. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Ensure the pot has good drainage, as waterlogged roots can cause rot. Use a saucer under the pot to catch excess water, but don't let the plant sit in water.
PRUNING AND PATIENCE
They say patience is a virtue and that is definitely something we’ve had to learn here on our homestead. We waited 3 years to be able to enjoy delicious blueberries from our bushes!
Why you ask? Were there no blossoms on them prior? Yes! But every year, with pain in our hearts, we plucked all the blossoms off.
This was done to give the roots time to develop and not waste all of the plant's energy in the first few years. This means DO NOT harvest any blueberries the first year or two. Pinch off any of the white blossoms and wait patiently.
By pruning, I mean picking off the blossoms. The actual branches won’t need pruning until the plant is older—more like 2- 3 years old. It’s sad not to have delicious blueberries right away, but I promise they will be worth the wait.
In subsequent years, you can prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead or weak branches, thin out older canes, and shape the bush to allow sunlight to penetrate.
And every few years, remove one or two of the oldest canes to encourage new growth.
HOW TO care for blueberry bushes
Maintenance has not been too bad. Once established, they do pretty well! I would say the main thing is to make sure they get enough water. Especially when you first plant them. They need about 1-2 inches of water per week to stay healthy.
Fertilizing
Use a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants, such as one designed for azaleas or rhododendrons. We use Down to Earth Fertilizer to help fertilize and keep the pH where it needs to be. You could also just use plain compost.
You only need to fertilize about once a year in the spring. Avoid over-fertilizing, as blueberries are sensitive to high levels of nitrogen.
To purchase Down-to-Earth Fertilizer CLICK HERE
READ MORE: How to use compost in the garden
Pest and Disease Management
Watch for pests like aphids, birds, and blueberry maggots. If necessary, use netting to protect berries from birds and organic insecticides.
To prevent fungal diseases, ensure good air circulation around plants. Avoid overhead watering and use mulch to reduce splashback that can spread disease.
Winter Care
Your blueberry bushes will go into dormancy during winter.
Apply a thick layer of mulch (3-6 inches) around the base of your blueberry bushes. Mulch helps insulate the roots from freezing temperatures and prevents soil from heaving due to frost.
Water the bushes well before the ground freezes to ensure they have enough moisture. While plants don’t need as much water during dormancy, ensuring moist soil before winter helps them stay hydrated.
If your blueberry bushes are in a windy location, consider providing some form of wind protection. Burlap screens, snow fencing, or temporary windbreaks can reduce drying winds that may damage the plants.
harvesting blueberries
Harvesting blueberries at the right time and with the proper technique ensures you get the best flavor and quality from your plants. Here’s a guide on when and how to harvest blueberries:
Harvesting Season
Northern Highbush Varieties: Typically ripen from mid-to-late summer (June to August).
Southern Highbush and Rabbiteye Varieties: These can ripen earlier, often in late spring to early summer (May to July).
Wild and Lowbush Varieties: Harvested from late July to early September.
Multiple Harvests: Blueberries do not ripen all at once, so you’ll need to harvest over several weeks as the berries on the bush ripen.
When to harvest blueberries
Color: Blueberries are ready to harvest when they turn a deep blue color, with no hints of red or green. Immature berries won’t fully ripen after being picked.
Plumpness: Ripe blueberries will be plump and firm.
Flavor: The taste will be sweet and less tart when fully ripe.
Tip! Even after blueberries turn blue, waiting a few more days before picking is best. They continue to sweeten and develop flavor while on the bush. Typically, wait 3-7 days after they turn blue before harvesting.
Post-Harvesting
Do Not Wash Immediately: After picking, do not wash the blueberries right away unless you're planning to eat them immediately. Washing before storing can introduce moisture that leads to mold.
Refrigeration: Blueberries should be refrigerated soon after harvest to prolong freshness. Store them in a shallow container in the fridge and they can last up to 10-14 days.
Freezing: If you have a large harvest, blueberries freeze well. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight bag or container.
READ MORE: Freezing and dehydrating your harvest
blueberry recipes
These are some of my favorite blueberry recipes. There are so many delicious things you can make with them! And, of course, I also love preserving them to enjoy long after the season has gone.
Now you have all the basic information on how to grow blueberries successfully! By following these tips, you will be off the a great start and hopefully have some delicious, abundant blueberries to eat within a few years.
I promise you, friend, that they are worth the wait!
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PIN FOR LATER
I hope this has been helpful to you! Let me know if you have any questions and as always thank you so much for following our journey
Love,
annette