Blueberry

When to plant

Timed from your frost dates, so it holds wherever you garden. Give yours and every step below becomes a date.

Growing blueberry

Spacing in the row

48 in (122 cm)

Between rows

96 in (244 cm)

Planting depth

Plant at the same depth as in the nursery container. For bare-root, ensure roots are spread and crown is at soil level.

Sun

Full Sun

Soil

Blueberries demand highly acidic soil (pH 4.5-5.5), well-drained, and rich in organic matter. The stated 'pH balanced' garden soil (typically 6.5-7.0) is unsuitable and requires significant amendment (e.g., elemental sulfur, peat moss, pine needles) to achieve the necessary acidity prior to planting.

Germination

30-90 days (after 90-120 days cold stratification) at 65-75°F

Harvest season

Mid-Summer

Years to first crop

2

Mature height

3-8 feet

Hardy to

USDA zone 4

Life cycle

Perennial

Blueberry seeds require cold stratification and extended indoor growth (1-2 years) before transplanting; direct sowing is not viable for successful establishment. Best started from rooted cuttings or 1-2 year old nursery plants.

Watering. Requires consistent moisture; do not allow soil to dry out completely. Prefers moist, well-drained conditions. Use rainwater or acidified water if tap water is alkaline.

Feeding

Seedlings

N/A (not typically grown from seed for yield production within a reasonable timeframe)

Growing

Apply acid-forming granular fertilizer (e.g., ammonium sulfate, urea) in early spring as new growth commences. Avoid nitrate-based nitrogen.

Flowering and fruiting

Continue early spring feeding; adequate nutrients are critical for robust flowering and subsequent fruit set and development.

How often

Once a year, in early spring, for established plants. Younger plants may benefit from a second, lighter feed after fruit set.

Note

Avoid fertilizers containing nitrates, chlorine, or calcium, which can be detrimental to blueberries. Utilize formulations specifically designed for acid-loving plants.