How to Force Blueberry Bushes to Grow New Canes

Blueberry bushes primarily fruit on 2- and 3-year-old canes, so the older canes serve no useful purpose. Their removal encourages the bush to send up new canes. The bushes requires an annual supply of new cane growth to replace the older canes so the plant remains fruitful each year. Proper pruning removes the old canes and some of the newer ones so the remaining canes can receive the light, water and necessary nutrients to produce an abundance of berries. Correctly pruned blueberry bushes also have a full, compact shape that is easier to tend, since the plants aren't weakened by overgrown canes.

Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Begin pruning in the fourth year after planting, after the plants have fully established and have older canes. Prune the bushes in early spring when they are still dormant but right before new growth begins.
- 2
  Cut out all the canes that are 7 years old with a pair of hand pruners. Remove these at the base.
- 3
  Prune out between one-third and one-half of the 3- to 7-year-old canes. Remove any 3-year-old or older canes that do not have buds on them, as these are likely no longer productive.
- 4
  Trim out weak 1- and 2-year old canes. Canes thinner than a pencil will produce poorly even at maturity, so they require removal.
- 5
  Thin the interior of the bush, removing one out of every three canes. Remove the oldest or weakest canes first, leaving the strongest canes to grow on.

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