What Are the Most Important Nutrients for Growing Blueberries?

Required Nutrients for Young Blueberries

• The required nutrients for blueberries varies depending on the age of the plants. When blueberries are initially planted, a fertilizer containing 1 ounce of magnesium, such as the formulation 20-0-10 + 5, should be applied within 12 to 18 inches of the plant's base. Young plants that are within their first year of establishment should receive 1 tablespoon of a fertilizer formulated for azaleas, such as the formulations 12-12-12 or 10-10-10, within 12 inches of the plant's base. This should be repeated at six-week intervals through the middle of summer.

Required Nutrients for Mature Blueberries

• Blueberry bushes that are in their second full year should receive fertilizer at twice the rate of their first year, or 2 tablespoons of azalea fertilizer within 12 inches of their bases. Blueberry plants that are in the bearing stage and throughout maturity should receive their nutrients from a complete fertilizer such as a 10-10-10 applied at a rate of 1 cup within a 3-foot diameter of the base. A side-dressing of 1/4 cup of ammonium nitrate should be applied at six-week intervals until early summer. Always use the utmost care when handling ammonium nitrate. Follow all personal protective equipment (ppe) recommended by the manufacturer including the wearing of gloves, goggles and mask.

Proper Blueberry Culture

• In addition to the appropriate application of nutrients, blueberry plants require an acidic, well-drained, rich soil in order to thrive. Blueberries will survive only in soils with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. Soils with pH's above 7.0 should not be considered as a possible site. Soils with pH's less than 7.0, but above 5.5 can be altered to achieve ideal pH. Organic matter should be present at a rate of no less than three percent. Proper blueberry soils should be sandy, not clay.

SIte Preparation

• Proper site preparation for blueberries is as important as supplemental nutrient applications. In the absence of a soil test, a mixture of peat moss and "sharp" builder's sand should be mounded at a rate of 1:1 at a height of 6 inches. This material should be tilled into the soil to create a well drained, acidic and rich medium for blueberries to thrive. A soil test, though will reveal what exact course of action should be followed to create the ideal blueberry environment.