Growing Blueberries

Blueberry bushes are long-lived plants with a lifespan similar to fruit trees. The berries are versatile and can be enjoyed fresh, used in desserts or stored by canning or freezing. In addition, the plants provide ornamental value with their delicate white blossoms in the spring and fiery foliage in the autumn.

Highbush blueberries grow and survive best in the milder regions of Ontario. Midwinter temperatures of -29°C to 32°C can severely injure or kill both flower buds and young branches. In marginal areas for highbush blueberry cultivation, deep snowcover throughout the winter will help insulate the plants and reduce the extent of winter injury.

The parts of the bushes which are protected by snow may produce a crop. Different blueberry cultivars also vary widely in their degree of winter hardiness. Lowbush or half-high blueberries may survive in colder regions which receive adequate and reliable snowfall.

Bright foliage colour in autumn adds to the ornamental value of highbush blueberries

Site

Blueberries prefer full sun, although the plants will tolerate partial shade. As shade increases, the bushes produce fewer blossoms and fruit production declines.

Blueberries require acidic, well drained, loose soils with a high organic matter content. Good drainage is important because the very fine root system needs adequate aeration. The roots of blueberries will suffocate if they remain in water-saturated soil for even a few days.

Water tables should always remain at least 30 cm below the soil surface. Avoid low-lying locations since they may be poorly drained and prone to frost.

The pH of the soil is critical for blueberry growth. Blueberries grow best at a pH of 4.2 to 5.0, although they may tolerate a higher pH up to 5.5. A soil test can determine the soil pH. If the soil pH tests between 5.0 and 6.5, sulphur applications will acidify the soil and reduce the pH. If the soil pH tests higher than 6.5. sulphur will not adequately reduce the pH and the soil is not suitable for blueberry production.

Soil Preparation

Since blueberry bushes will live and produce berries for many years, take special care to adequately select and prepare the soil before planting blueberries. Prepare the site one full year prior to planting.

Organic Matter

Organic matter improves soil aeration and drainage while retaining moisture and nutrients. Blueberries establish better, grow more vigorously and yield more fruit if organic matter is incorporated into the soil prior to planting. Acid peat moss is the preferred source of organic matter.

Work 10 to 15 cm of acid peat thoroughly into the top 15 to 20 cm of soil. Acid peat will also help lower the soil pH. Other sources of organic matter include, well-rotted manure, straw, compost, or aged sawdust.

Soil pH

If the soil pH tests between 5.0 and 6.5 on a well-drained, sand to sandy loam soil, add sulphur to lower the pH to between 4.5 and 5.0. Apply sulphur the year before planting and thoroughly mix it into the top 20 cm of soil. The amount of sulphur required to lower the pH differs for each soil.

As a guide for sandy loam soils, add 75 to 100 g/m² for each full point the soil registers above 4.5. (For example, if the pH is 6.5, add 150 to 200 g/m².) For sandier soils, use 35 to 50 g/m². Since sulphur takes several months to reduce the pH, wait a few months before re-testing to determine if more sulphur is required.

Soils which have a pH above 6.5 ,poor drainage, or a clay texture are not suitable for blueberry production. A raised bed could overcome problems such as drainage. To create a raised bed, replace some of the soil with 8 cm of coarse material such as gravel or crushed stone to provide good drainage.

On top of this coarse material add a minimum of 30 cm of a mixture of half sandy topsoil and half acid peat. Use logs, stone, bricks, etc. to contain the soil mixture. Prior to planting, check to ensure the pH of the bed is 4.2 to 5.0.

Weeds

Eradicate all perennial weeds such as quackgrass, bindweed and vetch in the year prior to planting. Cultivate or pull weeds before they begin to produce seeds.

Fertilizer

Before planting blueberries, incorporate phosphorus and potassium into the soil according to soil test results.

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