How To Grow Your Own Highbush Blueberries

This type of Blueberry bush grows successfully in Zones 4 - 10. Doing some research on each of the following varieties available will ensure which are best suited for you particular zone. I am a zone 6 here in Western, NY and our climate is perfect for most varieties.

The average height can range from 2 - 6 feet tall. If you want your bushes to produce a large amount of blueberries, the agricultural department recommends planting more than one variety. This is important for cross-pollination and also helps to stretch out your harvesting season.

Highbush Blueberry Varieties for Northern United States

Zones 4 - 7

• Earliblue

• Jersey

• Misty

• Northland

• Patriot

• Northblue

• Bluecrop

• Blueray
  

  I personally have Bluecrop and Earliblue in my garden. My bushes are only 5 years old and still on the small side. However, I have quite a few berries ripening this year... so excited. The photos in this post are a progressive collection since early spring.
  
  
  
  

  Highbush Blueberry Varieties for Southern United States

  
  Zones 7 - 9

• Blueridge

• Cape Fear

• Gulf Coast

• O'Neil
  

  
  

  Growing Conditions

  
  
  Blueberries can be very fussy about the soil conditions. They really do prefer an acidic soil with a lot of decomposed organic matter to keep the soil airy. Testing your soil before you plant a bush is very important, as lowering your soils pH can take up to 6 months to make the correct changes. You are shooting for a pH of 4.5 - 5.2, which is ideal for a happy Blueberry bush. You can add sulfur according to directions to the planting area .
  
  Mixing a 1/2 cubic foot of peat moss per bush at planting time will help the shallow roots to maintain moisture. They do like well-drained, yet moist soil. Covering the soil with an organic mulch will also help maintain moisture. You could choose to use straw, pine needles or grass clippings for mulching.
  
  Be sure to water in your newly planted bushes. Continue to offer them at least two good inches of water per week to keep those shallow roots moist. It takes time for a new bush to put down it's roots to become well-established.
  
  
  
  

  Pruning

  
  
  After three to four seasons of growth is the time you will want to examine your bushes. Pruning out the old wood in late winter helps to stimulate young, fruitful branches. This promotes good air circulation, decreases overcrowding and allows for larger, sweeter berries. If you nurture your plants correctly you will be sure to have a sizable crop for years to come.
  
  Thank you for stopping by my post, I hope you enjoyed learning how to grow blueberries.
  Source-Growing Blueberries
  Until next time, this is Sunscape...
  

  Sun. Scape. Ing your day

  

Previous Posts @sunscape
My Website
My Etsy Store - Sunscapes Soaps & Soaks
My Etsy Store - Crystal Vibrations
My Tweets on Twitter