Blueberry Growing Guide

Cultural Requirements

Blueberries thrive in acidic, well-drained soil. Their shallow, compact roots require regular watering, and mulching is beneficial, especially in less-than-ideal soils which we often find tin the Boise area. These plants prefer partial protection from our intense afternoon sun and dry cold winters. Most varieties reach 4–6 feet in height and 4–5 feet in width.

Planting at least two varieties that bloom simultaneously improves fruit production, resulting in larger berries and higher yields.

Fertilization

Apply ½ cup of Ferti-lome Azalea, Camellia, Gardenia food in three monthly applications starting mid- to late February. To maintain soil acidity, use Ferti-lome Iron Plus three times a year, starting in February, again in June, and October. These fertilizers should be spread on the soil surface in a broad ring around the plant.

Planting Instructions

Blueberries grow 4–5 feet tall with a 3–4 foot spread. Space rows 6–7 feet apart and individual plants at least 5 feet apart unless a dense hedge is desired.

Dig a hole twice the width of the pot it's in and 1 and one-half times the depth of the pot.

• If using mulch, position the top of the root ball near the soil surface.

• Plant in a mixture of Ferti-lome (1/3) peat moss, 1/3 topsoil, and 1/3 sand or Ferti-lome Ultimate Potting Soil.

  
  

• Place rocks in the bottom third, fill to the proper depth, water, and add Ferti-lome Root Stimulator.

• Set the plant, let it settle for 15–20 minutes, then backfill and press firmly to remove air pockets (When you buy plants from The Home & Garden Store, we can provide you with written instructions on how to plant your blueberries).

Fruit Production

Cross-pollination requires at least two different varieties, though any combination will work. Early varieties ripen in late June; late varieties mature in August.

For young plants (2–3 years old), removing blossoms for a year or two promotes vegetative growth. Blueberries tend to overbear, so thinning blossoms encourages larger fruit and healthier bushes.

Pruning

After establishment, remove old, unproductive wood with too many fruit buds and few leaves. Thin vigorous shoots to prevent sprawling or excessive height.

Harvesting

Blueberries sweeten on the bush. Early picking is usually only necessary to protect fruit from birds, which can be controlled with bird netting. Mature plants can yield 15–20 pounds of fruit, making protection worthwhile.

Popular Blueberry Varieties

• Bluejay: Large, light blue berries with tangy, mild flavor; ripens late June–July; moderately vigorous; holds fruit well.

• Blueray: Mid-season; medium blue, firm berries in tight clusters; sweet-tart flavor; bright red winter wood; vigorous and productive.

• Berkeley: Mid-season; large, firm, powder blue berries; mild, dessert-quality flavor; heavy, spreading yellow canes; excellent for freezing.

• Bluecrop: Mid-season; large, firm, powder blue berries; good for fresh eating, baking, and preserves; upright growth; overbearing if not pruned.

• Chandler: Mid–late season; very large berries; vigorous, flavorful bush; six-week ripening period.

• Darrow: Late-season; large, flat, light blue berries with tart flavor; grows 5–6 feet; somewhat lower yields.

• Duke: Early season; medium–large, light blue berries; mildly tart; firm, long-lasting fruit; upright growth with drooping branches under fruit; yellow-orange fall foliage.

• Earliblue: Early season; medium, firm, light blue berries; long loose clusters; vigorous, erect bush; bright red wood; avoid poorly drained soil.

• Elliott: Very late season; medium powder blue berries; firm, slightly tart; strong grower; resistant to mummy berry; heavy producer.

• Jersey: Late season; medium, dark blue, juicy berries; sweet, excellent for fresh eating and baking; 5–7 feet tall; erect, vigorous canes; one of the oldest and most popular varieties.

• Northland: Early mid-season; medium, dark blue berries; good for jams and baking; adapts to many soils if acidic; grows 4 feet high and wide.

• Patriot: Early–midseason; medium, firm, flat blue berries; vigorous 4–6 foot bush; tolerates wet clay soils; excellent flavor.

• Reka: Early season; medium, firm, sweet berries; upright; tolerates wet soils.

• Rubel: Late mid-season; small, dark, intensely flavored berries; heritage variety; excellent for baking; consistent producer.

• Spartan: June harvest; very large, light blue berries; excellent flavor; 5–6 foot tall bush.

• Sunshine Blue: Mid-season; dime-sized fruit; compact 3-foot bush; self-pollinating; tolerates higher pH soils.