At least 6 hours of full sun in the coolest part of the day. Place in a partly shaded place if grown in hot summer weather.
Temperature Adaptations
Blueberry bushes are about as winter-hardy as peaches, but require a winter chill and do not produce well in areas with mild winters.
Acidity (pH) Tolerance
Must have acid soils
Salinity (Ec) Tolerance
Low
How Pollinated
Insect
Growth Habits
Shrubby Perennial
Additional Information
Fertilizer Requirements
Blueberry plants should not be fertilized in their first year after being planted. Thereafter, use acid-forming fertilizers such as cottonseed meal, ammonium sulfate or any fertilizer prepared for rhododendrons and azaleas.
Apply about 1/4 pound of actual nitrogen per year per plant.
Water Utilization
Water frequently and maintain soil moisture by applying a thick mulch.
Plant Development and Care
Blueberry plants have a shallow root system - care should be taken when digging around them so as to not disturb the fragile root system - do not cultivate too deeply. Spread a deep mulch around the base of the plants - about 4" to 6" to protect the roots and to maintain soil moisture.
Blueberris generally will not produce fruit for 3 to 4 years after they are first planted.
The plants should be pruned each year to prevent overbearing and undersized fruit. During the first year of growth, the flowers that appear should be stripped off the plant. On older plants cut back the ends of the twigs to where fruit buds are widely spaced or remove some of the oldest branches and weak shoots each year.
Given the right climate and soil conditions, blueberries will reach full production in 6 to 10 years.
Container Gardens