Blueberries — FarmPal
Delicious, nutritious berries on attractive ornamental shrubs.
Sun
full
Water
moderate
Spacing
Highbush: 5-6 ft. Rabbiteye: 6-8 ft
Days to Harvest
2-3 years to production. Berries ripen over several weeks.
Planting Depth
Same as nursery container, in acidic soil
Companion Plants
Azaleas
Rhododendrons
Pine needle mulch
Avoid Planting Near
Alkaline soils
Heavy clay
Common Pests
Birds
Spotted wing drosophila
Blueberry maggot
Diseases to Watch
Mummy berry
Botrytis
Phomopsis
Growing Tips
- •MUST have acidic soil (pH 4.5-5.5)
- •Use sulfur or peat moss to lower pH
- •Plant at least 2 varieties for best pollination
- •Mulch heavily with pine needles or wood chips
- •Net plants to protect from birds
Harvesting
- •Wait 3-5 days after turning blue for peak sweetness
- •Roll berries gently ripe ones fall off easily
- •Harvest every few days during season
- •Don't wash until ready to eat
Storage
Refrigerator 1-2 weeks. Freeze without washing (wash when thawing).
Varieties
Bluecrop
Most widely planted. Reliable. Mid-season.
Duke
Early season. Large berries. Consistent.
Jersey
Sweet, small berries. Great for processing.
Pink Lemonade
Unique pink berries. Mild, sweet flavor.
Patriot
Cold-hardy. Early. Large berries.