Blueray Blueberry

Planting & Care for Edible Plants – Blueberries

Preparation

• Space these plants 3 - 4' apart
• Blueberry bushes like full sun!
• Apply fertilizer one month after planting, not at time of planting.
• Blueberries are picky about soil. They require one that is acidic, high in organic matter, and well-drained yet moist.
• Your pH level should ideally be between 4 and 5. If you’re not sure how to test your soil contact your local UW-Extension for help.

Opening Plant Material

• Containers - Completely saturate all container plants by putting in a larger container of water until stops bubbling, remove. Once this is done you’re not ready to plant.

Planting Containers

• Dig a hole at about 20 inches deep and 18 inches wide.
• Space bushes about 5 feet apart.
• Slide plant from pot by tapping on the bottom of the pot.
• With shovel or knife trim bottom 2" off of the root ball for plants in plastic containers.
• Rotate the plant to the proper position. Never lift or move plants by the tops.
• Place the root ball in the hole.
• Back-fill the hole with soil, making sure the top of the root ball is visible and slightly higher than the soil around it.
• Firm the soil around the plant. Water well to settle soil around the root ball.
• Mulch to keep shallow blueberry root systems moist, which is essential. Apply a 2-4 inch layer of woodchips, saw dust or pine needles after planting.

Pruning – After Planting

• Although it is not essential for container plants to be pruned after planting, a light pruning to remove any broken branches during shipment and improve shape will help the looks of your new planting.
• Do not allow the bush to produce fruit for the first couple of years. Pinch back blossoms, this will help to stimulate growth.

Pruning - Through-out the Season

• For the first four years after planting, there is no need to prune blueberry bushes. From then on, pruning is needed to stimulate growth of the new shoots that will bear fruit the following season.
• Prune plants in late winter, preferably just before growth begins.
• Weak or badly diseased canes should be removed entirely.

Harvesting

• Blueberries will be ready for picking in late July-mid August.
• Don’t rush to pick the berries as soon as they turn blue. Wait a couple days. When they are ready, they should fall off right into your hand.
• Be aware that full production is reached after about 6 years.

Watering - After Planting

• Plants typically take approximately 6 weeks to establish new roots in your soil. During this period, supply one to two inches of water per week for about the first two years. If enough rainfall occurs then you won’t need to worry about watering.
• It’s smart to get a rain gauge to see where your water levels are.
• Stick your finger into the soil around 3” to check soil moisture.

Watering - Through-out the Season

• After the first season, plants should only be watered during extended periods without rain.
• How do you know if your plants need water? The easiest way to tell is to touch the soil around the roots. If it is moist, there is no need to water. If it is dry, give it a good soaking with the hose end (no nozzle) watering the soil only, not the leaves.
• Stick your finger into the soil around 3” to check soil moisture.

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