Blueberries vaccinium L.   General Information

For best production plant two or more blueberry varieties for cross-pollination.

Spacing: 4 to 5 feet in the row, with 8 to 12 feet between rows. Be careful not to plant too deeply.

Fertilization: Use special azalea or rhododendron fertilizers for acid loving plants such as Espoma Holly-Tone. Spread the fertilizer away from the trunk in a circular band around each plant at bloom time and again 1 month later. Don’t fertilize after July. Avoid fertilizers containing potassium chloride.

Blueberries require acidic soil! pH levels between 4.5 and 4.8 should be maintained. If the pH is high the plants will do poorly and may not produce berries.

Peat moss incorporated into the soil will help keep pH at acceptable levels. Work 3 parts peat moss with 1 part soil. Use a pH meter to check the soil at least three times per year.

Garden Sulfur can be used to lower the soil's pH. It's also great for keeping hydrangeas blue! Espoma Garden Sulfur 5lb bag is enough for 3-4 plants. Garden sulfur takes time to work so apply it early in the spring.

Aluminum sulfate works quickly and is also great for turning hydrangeas blue. If the pH is above 5.0, and you want to get it down quickly use aluminum sulfate.

Prune in March.  First remove small, spindly branches and canes that lie on the ground. When thinning canes, try to maximize light conditions inside the plant by removing the centermost canes, which block the sunlight.

A mature blueberry plant will produce 6 to 10 pounds (7 to 10 pints) of fruit per year.  Berries turn blue 3 to 4 days before they attain maximum sweetness and flavor.  They should be picked every 7 to 10 days.  Blueberries, like other fruits, should be picked in the morning after the dew has evaporated.

Birds love berries so if you want some for yourself, drape bird netting over them before they get ripe.

Suggested Items: Two blueberry varieties - Peat moss - pH Meter - Holly-Tone fertilizer - Garden Sulfur or Aluminum Sulfate - Bird Netting