Highbush Blueberry Culture

Location

• Highbush blueberry hails from the bogs and moist woods of eastern North America. In the home garden, the plant is best suited for U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 to 8. Flowering and fruiting will be most prolific in a location with a full day of direct sunlight, though the plant will also succeed in light shade. The plant grows poorly alongside blackberries and raspberries (Rubus spp.) according to the website Plants for a Future. Choose a permanent location, as blueberries do not like having their roots disturbed.

Soil

• All blueberries are picky about soil, requiring highly acidic, well-draining soil amended with organic matter. Purdue University recommends mixing 1 to 1 1/2 gallons of sphagnum peat moss into the soil before planting time. A sandy soil with a pH between 4.8 and 5.2 is ideal. To help retain moisture in the soil and reduce competition from weeds, mulch generously over the root area. Keep mulch off of stems to lower the risk of disease.

Fertilizer

• Most gardeners will need to fertilize blueberries to reach the proper soil pH. To lower soil pH in sandy soils, the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service recommends applying 3/4 pound of sulfur per 100 square feet for each full pH point above 4.5. Heavy clay soils will require at least 3 pounds of sulfur per 100 square feet. To raise the pH on soils with a pH below 4.0, Purdue University recommends taking a soil pH test and amending the soil with dolomitic lime until the right level is reached. General-purpose blueberry fertilizers are available in some nurseries with a 16-8-8 formula.

Maintenance

• To ensure a full crop of berries, remove flowers from the plant during the planting year and the following year. Though this will delay the gratification of eating the fruits, this practice will allow the shrub to grow larger, making it capable of producing more berries. Because birds are fond of the berries, you may need to cover the bush with protective netting. Avoid overhead irrigation, which can contribute to mildew. A sickly yellowing of the leaves known as chlorosis may occur if soil pH is too high.