Blueberries are a phenomenal investment in time and space for the home gardener-landscaper. Delicate spring blossoms are followed by summer fruit (nutritious for human and avian consumption), which is in turn succeeded by brilliant autumnal foliage.
Highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) are native to much of the eastern U.S., from North Carolina to southern Maine and west to southern Michigan, where soil is moist and winters cool.
Soil Requirements
Highbush blueberries require an acid pH, between 4 and 6, which can be achieved with addition of sphagnum peat moss or sulfur. County extension agents are helpful in soil test determinations. Adequate moisture, good drainage, and soil high in organic matter are also necessary.
Fertilizing
Bushes can be planted in fall or spring and fertilized about a month before growth starts in spring. Three to four ounces of a 10-10-10 fertilizer spread in a 12-inch radius at the base of each plant should be adequate.
Mulch
Protective mulch, such as sawdust, straw, well-rotted manure, garden compost, leaf mold, or peat, will help conserve moisture and at the same time control weeds. One should keep in mind, however, that organic mulches—if not well-rotted-- use soil nitrogen in the rotting process, so additional nitrogen fertilizer will be needed.
Pollination
Blueberries are partially self-pollinating but to ensure a good fruit set, at least two varieties should be planted. There are many to choose from for most areas. Varieties that may be used in New England, for example, include: Bluecrop, Earliblue, Blueray, Jersey, Collins, Lateblue, and Coville. Again, consulting the county extension agent would be helpful.
Pruning
Fall pruning is necessary by the third year after planting; fruit is produced on wood from the previous year’s growth. Light pruning involves thinning out smaller, weaker branches from the center and cutting from one to four of the older stems to ground level. This should stimulate new growth and maintain the more vigorous, productive branches.
Propagation
Blueberries can be propagated variously: by layering (autumn or spring), by semi-hard shoot cuttings (late summer), and by hardwood cuttings (winter).
Rabbiteye Blueberries
Rabbiteye blueberries (Vaccinium ashei) grow in many areas where the highbush will not: from North Carolina to Florida and west to Arkansas and Texas. Dry uplands suit them, as does a shorter resting time in winter.They are more resistant to heat and drought and more tolerant of soil conditions. On the other hand, rabbiteyes may be more sensitive to commercial fertilizer and pollination may be more efficient with a special bee pollinator, honeybees apparently being inefficient. Pruning usually is unnecessary. Propagation is often by offshoots and suckers; softwood cuttings are also successful.
Sources
Reilly, H.E. and Shry, Jr., C.L. Introductory Horticulture, Delmar Publishers, Albany, 1997.
Reader’s Digest Illustrated Guide to Gardening.Reader’s Digest Association, Inc., Pleasantville, NY, 1989.
Connie Ganong - Connie Ganong’s interests in literature and horticulture led to study in biology (B.A.), English (M.A.), and agricultural journalism ...
