Blog

You must start by always planting at least 2 different varieties but 3 is recommended for pollination purposes and optimal yield. 

Location: Choose any area that is sunny, and has well drained soil.

Soil: Blueberries do not tolerate alkaline, clay soils. The soil PH must be between 4.5-5.5 (very acidic) It is recommended to have your soil tested and amend if needed. You can amend the soil with Peat Moss, or soil sulfur to lower your PH levels.

Planting: Blueberries perform well in the ground or raised containers. You will need to plant with a mixture of peat moss, and pine bark or Azalea mix for your berries to thrive in. 

Fertilizing: Blueberries are sensitive to certain fertilizers and excessive fertilization. Use fertilizers with nitrogen in the form a urea or ammonium. The most effective and most commonly used nitrogen fertilizer for blueberries is ammonium sulfate (21-0-0). Soils can sometimes become too acidic over time. If that does occur use a fertilizer where the nitrogen is derived from Urea. It is best to fertilize in early Spring (beginning of bud growth) and early Summer (after harvest in complete).

For the first year do not fertilize but instead use a root stimulator. 

Mulch: Mulch is very important as it helps acidify the soil, control weeds, moderate soil temperatures and conserve soil moisture. For best results use peat moss, pine bark, or pine straw. 

Irrigation: Blueberries should be well watered at the time of planting and then watered according to the needs of the plant size and each season. Many gardeners have had great success with a drip irrigation for their berries. 

Pruning: Blueberries need occasional pruning. Start by thinning out the lower limbs to keep any fruit from touching the soil. As the shrub begins to age and thicken you should thin out up to 20% of the branches at ground level every year. This encourages new, productive shoots to emerge from the crown. 

Harvest: In Texas the harvest season is typically May through July. Berries do not ripen further after being plucked from the plant so allow the berries to ripen on the bush for maximal flavor.