Differences Between a Blueberry Plant and a Blackberry Plant

Appearance

• Blueberries are spherical and medium to dark blue in color when ripe. Blackberries are rather oblong shaped, and turn from red to dark purple or black when ripe.

Habitat

• Blackberry plants are found primarily on the Pacific Coast and eastern North America. Blueberries are found in Asia and northern Britain and Europe.

Plant

• Blueberries grow on plants that are freestanding. Blackberries, on the other hand, grow on vine-like plants, growing up and over other plants to stay off the ground.

Soil

• Blueberries grow best in acidic soil, and will not flourish otherwise. A pH of 4.5-5.0 is considered the prime acidity for the soil of blueberry plants.

Timing

• Both blackberry and blueberry plants are generally recommended to be planted in the early spring, after the season's last frost. After the harvest, it is important to prune both types of plants, before blooming time comes around again.