About Blueberry Plants

Varieties

• Rabbiteye (Vaccinium ashei) blueberries are native to the southern United States. They grow approximately 15 feet tall with a 10-foot spread. Rabbiteyes thrive in moist soil and tolerate warm, dry temperatures. Several rabbiteye cultivars include Delite, an attractive ornamental that produces small, pale blue fruits; Woodard, an early-ripening variety, and Tifblue, which produces large, late-ripening blue fruit. Highbush (Vaccinium corymbosum) are native to the Northern part of the United States. They are more cold-tolerant, but cannot tolerate drought or excessive heat. Southern highbush, lowbush and Darrow's evergreen blueberry also grow in various regions of the United States.

Cultivation

• Blueberries require full sunlight for maximum yield. They thrive in highly acidic soil with a pH level between 4 and 4.5. Bob Polomski and Greg Reighard at the Clemson Cooperative Extension recommend having your soil tested before attempting to grow blueberries. If your soil has a pH level between 5.5 and 6.0, you can add aluminum sulfate or wettable sulfur to make the soil more acidic. Apply the sulfur several months before attempting to plant blueberries. Blueberry plants grow best in well-drained, nutrient-rich, organic soil types. They can be easily damaged by adding too much fertilizer, so only use the recommended amount.

Planting Blueberries

• For best results, plant your blueberries in the winter during the dormant period. Plant two or more varieties so that they can cross-pollinate. Dig holes approximately 5 or 6 feet apart with 10 or 12 feet between the rows. Make sure that the holes are slightly larger than the root system. Pack the soil firmly around the blueberry plants. Settle the roots with a thorough watering and add about 6 inches of wood chip, bark or sawdust mulch to the top surface to help maintain the acidity level in the soil. Water the plants frequently until the roots are established. Prune the plants as needed to stimulate growth.

Pests and Diseases

• Birds and rabbits are common blueberry pests. The University of Minnesota Extension recommends covering bushes with netting to prevent birds from eating the fruit. Keep rabbits out during the winter when food sources are running low by surrounding plants with a chicken-wire fence. Insect pests such as aphids and leafhoppers drain sap from blueberry foliage, while chafers and leafrollers feed on the foliage; blueberry maggots attack the fruit. Blueberries are also susceptible to diseases such as powdery mildew, leafspot, rust and anthracnose.