Our qualitiy high bush blueberry plants grow well from North Carolina to coastal New England, westward to Michigan and Missouri.
Planting Time
Early fall or early spring. Keep in mind that frost will not hurt the young plant, but later when fruit is being produced, it can hurt the fruit.
Planting Site
Choose an area with FULL sunlight. The soil should have good drainage, so there is no standing water. Avoid heavy clay or very dry sand. Plants should be watered regularly throughout the spring and summer, keeping the soil moist.
Soil Preparation
Blueberry plants prefer an acidic soil with a pH range of 4.0-4.5 For each plant, dig a hole that is 16" deep and 16" wide. If pH of the soil is greater than 5.5, mix half the soil from the whole with rotted leaf mold or peat moss. Also add 2/3 oz ammonium sulfate with 1/4 lb cottonseed meal. Return 1/2 of this soil to the hole where the bush is to be planted.
Planting
Prune off about 1/3 of the plants' top growth. Let pots soak in a few inches of the dug hole, be sure to place 1"-5" of the soil on top of all the roots. Pack soil firmly around the roots. On the outside of the now filled hole, mound up the soil so that water is soaked into the fround and around the plant. Commercial growers set plants 4.5'-5' apart in rows that are 8-10' apart. The home gardener can plant according to space, using the plants for headge planting, or just for the garden.
Mulching
A heavy mulch is helpful for plant growth, water retention and weed control. Wood chips, sawdust, or any other natural organic matter is satisfactory. Note that for each bushel of sawdust used, it is necessary to add 13 oz of ammonium sulfate or 8 oz of ammonium nitrate.
Fertilizing
For each new bush planted, 8 weeks after initial planting, sprinkle 2 oz of ammonium sulfate around the base of each plant, (over-fertilization in the first year may burn the plants). Each year add 2 oz of fertilizer to each plant at blossom time. And 2 oz of fertilizer a month later. Choose either a pre mix designed for azaleas, holly, or blueberries, or a cotton seed mix. (a complete fertilizer of 10-10-10 or 8-8-8). DO NOT FERTILIZE IN LATE SUMMER OR FALL, as it may make the plant more subject to winter injury.
Later Pruning
After 1/3 of the top growth is removed when planted, no further pruning is recessary until three years later. While dormant, however, weak branches (less than 8" long) should be removed each year. When the plant has reached full maturity, it will be necessary to remove some of the heavier (woody) braches in the center to allow air and sunlight to penetrate the plant. Continous attention to pruning can extend the life of your plant(s) for many years.

If you have any questions about blueberry plants feel free to give us a call
(616) 842-5238