Tennessee Blueberry Plants

Blueberry Varieties

• Two types of blueberry bushes grow in the United States: highbush and rabbiteye. Highbush blueberries are more ideally suited for growing in Tennessee, especially in locales in the state's higher elevations, the University of Tennessee Extension advises. Rabbiteye blueberry do better in warmer climates to the south, east and west of Tennessee. An exception is the warmer southern portions of Tennessee, where the highbush plants may need additional care and watering and rabbiteye bushes perform better. Highbush cultivars recommended for Tennessee include Herbert, Coville, Jersey, Berkley, Blueray and Bluecrop. Rabbiteye cultivars the extension recommends include Garden Blue, Climax, Tifblue, Blue Belle, Bright Blue and Southland.

Site Requirements

• Blueberries require an acidic soil, preferably with a pH between 4.8 and 5.2, the Tennessee extension advises. Avoid planting the bushes in areas with wet soil or where water tends to stand because this can allow the roots to rot. Also look for area area free from depressions in the soil, because frost forms more easily in these areas. The bushes thrive in full sun but will tolerate partial shade. In general, the more shade a spot gets, the less fruit the bush will produce, the University of Minnesota Extension reports.

Planting

• Plant blueberry bushes during the dormant period, which runs from November to March in Tennessee. If you have multiple plants, space them 5 feet to 6 feet apart, and keep rows 10 feet to 12 feet apart. To plant the bush, dig a hole deeper and wider than the root ball and gently set it in the hole, the Tennessee extension suggests. Fill in the hole with the surrounding soil and pack it firmly to ensure no air pockets remain. Water the plants immediately to remove air from the soil and help the bushes begin to establish their roots. You should also mulch around the bushes with sawdust, placing a layer about 6 inches high around the plants.

Care and Maintenance

• Soil where blueberries grow should remain moist but not wet. Because the plants easily absorb water, too much moisture can damage the root system, the University of Kentucky Extension reports. Maintaining a layer of mulch helps the soil retain adequate moisture and also prevents weed growth. And because blueberries do not typically produce a good crop of fruit for two years, you should remove flowers from he bush during the first two seasons to encourage more vigorous growth.