Planting Time for Blueberries

Season

• The timing of blueberry planting depends on growing region. North Carolina State University suggests late fall plantings in warmer regions, to give the blueberry bushes time to establish before summer, and late winter to early spring plantings in colder regions, to give the bushes time to establish before harsh winter temperatures. Since blueberries are hardy to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit, planting time does not depend on frost dates or early cold protection.

Site

• Blueberries require full sun all day to grow, bloom and bear fruit to their fullest potential, and must have quick, efficient drainage in their site and through their soil. Give each plant 3 to 4 feet of space int its planting site, and use raised beds that are 9 to 10 inches tall if you can't offer adequate drainage.

Soil

• Blueberry bushes need acidic soil, high organic content, mulch and moisture retention to succeed. Plant blueberries in a mixture of native soil and organic matter like compost, peat moss, rotted manure or wood chips. North Carolina State University recommends with holding fertilizer until the plants begin to grow, but mulching immediately with sawdust or wood chips to maintain moisture and discourage weeds.

Cultivars

• Plant cultivars that will succeed in your growing area, and plant several different types of blueberries for a good fruit harvest. Give each bush the space it requires, but keep the plantings within 10 to 20 feet of each other to encourage pollination during the bloom.