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Nothing tastes better in the summer than a fresh pint of juicy blueberries. These mouthwatering berries are choked full of vitamins. They also make the perfect compliment to your favourite summertime recipes. Blueberries are easily grown in containers and raised beds. They can also be grown in-ground gardens.
Have you always wanted to try growing your own blueberries? Have you struggled getting started? Then, you’ve come to the right place! In today’s growing guide, we break down everything you need to know to start harvesting juicy blueberries from your own home garden. So, pull up a chair and let’s dive in.
Did you know?
- Blueberries grow best in acidic soil.
- The best harvest for blueberries is after 5 years of growth.
- Blueberries love full sun to keep them healthy and strong.
What types of blueberries are available to home gardeners?
There are four main types of blueberries available to home gardeners. These include highbush, lowbush, hybrid half-high, and rabbiteye. There are also some unique hybrid varieties available.
The most common type of blueberries are highbush. Many of today’s blueberry plants come from high bush varieties. Blueberry bushes range in cold hardiness, fruit production, size, and flavour.
Highbush blueberries
On average, highbush blueberries will grow to about 6 feet. They are hardy in zones 4-7. If you live in a colder climate, choose varieties like Bluecrop, Blueray, Jersey or Duke. Do you like big juicy berries, look for varieties like Berkeley, Herbert, Coville, or Bluecrop. Are you looking for bold flavour, try Pioneer, Ivanhoe, or Darrow. If you want something fun, try planting Pink Lemonade. These berries are a beautiful shade of pink.
Lowbush blueberries
For very cold climates, look to plant lowbush varieties in your garden. These plants are hardy in zones 3-7. These are the berries that you most often find at your local grocery store. They have a waxy coating to them and almost appear gray in colour. Lowbush blueberry plants are typically about a foot high and grow closer to the ground. They are native to rocky areas of the Northeastern United States and Eastern portions of Canada. Here, they often grow in the wild. In the garden, lowbush blueberries can make a great ground cover.
Hybrid half-high blueberries
These unique plants are bred from a combination of high and low bush blueberries. Some varieties in this category to look for include Northland, Northcountry, and Northblue. These bushes range in height from 2-4 feet tall.
Are there varieties of blueberries for southern gardeners?
Yes, two varieties are Rabbiteye and Southern highbush. These varieties are hardy in zones 7-9. Rabbiteye are the easiest to grow. These berries are quite adaptable, pest-tolerant, and have high yields. You will need to plant two to three of these plants together for proper pollination. Southern highbush varieties are a little pickier and harder to grow. If you are looking to plant this variety of blueberry, look for Emerald, Windsor, or Spring high.
When is the best time to plant blueberries?
The best time to plant blueberries is in spring or late fall if you are not in a growing zone colder than zone 5. For those in zones 5 and below, wait until the following spring when temperatures are a bit warmer to plant. Blueberry plants typically come in either bare root or established plants. If you have the chance, try to buy plants that are at least 1-3 years old. These plants are a bit more established and will produce a better harvest.
What are the best growing conditions for blueberries?
Light
Blueberries thrive best in a sunny spot that has shelter from damaging winds. Blueberries can tolerate some shade. However, in the sun is where they will thrive the best. Since their roots are quite shallow, avoid planting in an area with drying winds. Also avoid planting directly near trees. Trees will block the light that the blueberries need to produce fruit. Trees can also suck up too much moisture that blueberries need to produce fruit.
Plant in groupings
Blueberries like to have a buddy with them as they grow. If you are going to be putting in multiple berry bushes in your garden, try to plant in groupings. Planting in a group will help to maximize fruit production.
Moisture level
Blueberries prefer moist, well draining soil. Avoid planting in soil that has improper drainage.
Soil conditions
Blueberries thrive best in acidic soil that is loose and well draining. The ideal pH of the soil should be between 4.0 and 5.0.
Soil amendments
You can adjust the acidity level of your soil by using a fertilizer for acid-loving plants. Peat moss and pine bark or needles are also ways to raise the acidity level of your soil. Before you plant your blueberry bushes, consider adding in some organic material. This will help to create a healthy environment for your blueberries to thrive.
How do you plant blueberries?
Avoid planting too deep: Blueberries have very shallow roots, so you want to avoid planting them too deep. The root ball of your plant should be just below the surface of the soil.
Spacing: If you are planting more than one blueberry bush, space them at least 4-5 feet apart in a row. Leave roughly 8 feet between rows.
Adding in organic material: Before you place your blueberry plant in the ground or in a container, add in some organic material. This material will help to feed your plant and keep it healthy and happy.
Apply fertilizer: Do not apply fertilizer at the time of planting. Wait until a month after planting. Keep the fertilizer out from the crown of the plant by at least 6-12 inches. Doing this will help to avoid burning the roots.
Top care tips for blueberry plants
Mulching: Mulching is essential to keep your blueberries moist. Keeping them moist helps to prevent the roots from drying out. After you plant your new bushes, add a layer of mulch that is roughly 2 to 4 inches thick. You can use sawdust, wood chips, or pine needles. Be sure to leave a perimeter around the main trunk of your plant for proper airflow.
Watering: To keep them healthy and strong, aim to provide your blueberries with 1 to 2 inches of water a week.
Protecting your harvest from hungry birds: Blueberries are a delicacy to hungry birds. Netting or some form of protection will be necessary to ensure a bountiful harvest.
Fertilizing regularly: Apply fertilizer every year. Look for one that is designed for acid-loving plants.
Pinching back blossoms on newly planted bushes: Pinch back the blossoms on newly planted blueberry bushes during the first year or two. This will allow the plant to put all of its energy into growth instead of fruit production.
Monthly care schedule for blueberry plants
- March: Begin pruning your blueberries after the coldest part of the year has passed. Aim for just before new growth starts to appear.
- April-May: April and May is the perfect window to add new blueberry bushes to your garden.
- May-June: Time to apply mulch to help lock in moisture. Try to keep your plants hydrated throughout the season.
- July-August: Depending on the season, now is the time when you will harvest your blueberries.
- August-September: Amend your soil by adding nutrients back in. Doing so will help keep your plants healthy and strong.
- September-October: Apply another layer of mulch around your plants for added winter protection.
- November-December: Install fencing around your plants to help keep out critters.
Frequently asked questions about growing and caring for blueberries
Can you grow blueberries in containers and raised beds?
Yes, blueberries can be successfully grown in containers and raised beds. It is a great way to make them easier to harvest. No matter what method you choose, make sure you have proper drainage. Also make sure that you choose a potting or raised bed mix for acid-loving plants. If you live in a northern growing zone, winter protection is necessary.
Can you grow blueberries and raspberries together?
It is not recommended to plant these two types of berries side-by-side. Blueberries and raspberries need different soil conditions to survive. Blueberries like more acidic soil. Raspberries like only mildly acidic soil. They also have different growing habits. Blueberries are thornless and grown upright. Raspberries grow on thorny canes that need to be trellised.
Do blueberry bushes have to be pruned?
If you have planted your blueberries in the last four years or so, you do not need to prune your plants yet. After this period, prune them regularly. This will help to generate new growth and keep your plants healthy and strong.
When is the best time to prune blueberry bushes?
Blueberries should be pruned in late winter or early spring. It should be completed well before new growth starts to emerge.
When are blueberries ready to be harvested?
Blueberries are typically harvested between July and August. Once the berries turn blue, don’t rush picking them. Leave them for a day or two more and they will be ripe for picking. The easiest way to tell if they are ready is when they fall off the plant right into your hand. When this happens, grab your harvesting basket because you are in for a real feast.
What is the best way to store harvested blueberries?
Store harvested blueberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Do not wash them before storing. Storing after washing can cause them to go moldy. Plan on using them up in a week or two. You can also freeze your berries for longer term storage.
Do you have to stake blueberry plants?
In general, you will not have to stake up your blueberry plants. If you have a plant that is weak or can’t support itself, you can use a stake to help support it.
What are some common pests or diseases for blueberry plants?
Blueberries are prone to problems with birds, blueberry maggots, and powdery mildew.
Final thoughts on caring for blueberry bushes
If you’ve always wanted to grow your own blueberries, make this the year you take a leap of faith! Having your own patch of juicy berries is so rewarding and worthwhile. Have you grown blueberries in your own garden? Drop a comment below and let us know your favourite variety to grow. Together, we can help inspire others to start growing their own delicious blueberries at home.