Care and Pruning of Blueberry Bushes

When to Prune

• Pruning in early winter makes bushes more susceptible to injury from extreme cold. Prune bushes in late winter or early spring while they are dormant.

Pruning Younger Bushes

• Requiring little maintenance during the first three years of growth, young bushes can be pruned by carefully removing branches showing signs of disease or injury.

Pruning Older Bushes

• Prune established bushes regularly each year by removing branches older than five years, as well as canes growing close to the ground. Each bush should have four to six mature canes and one or two young shoots. Remove any excess growth by cutting canes at the base instead of at the tips.

Mulch

• Apply 2 to 4 inches of mulch over the root system to trap moisture in the soil, prevent weeds, and increase organic matter. Using bark, sawdust, or grass clippings, mulch blueberry bush roots every other year.

Fertilizer

• Fertilize blueberry bushes in late spring. Use organic fertilizers such as cottonseed meal, but avoid using manure. Be careful not to overfertilize, because blueberry bushes are very sensitive plants.