How to Grow Blueberries in Central Florida

Select a location for your blueberry plant where it will receive at least 8 hours of sunlight a day and adequate air circulation. In Central Florida, plant your blueberry from mid-December to mid-February to make assure it's established before the warm growing season. Growing an abundant harvest of blueberries starts with providing the bush what it needs to thrive.

Loosen the soil to the depth of 18 inches with a shovel. Add 4 to 5 inches of compost and mix well. Blueberries have shallow root systems and require well-drained soil to survive. The compost will improve the soil texture and drainage. If drainage is poor, or water remains pooled for several hours after irrigation or a rain shower, consider adding enough potting soil to raise the level of the soil several inches.

Amend the soil with a small amount of sulfur or acid-forming fertilizer. Blueberries prefer a soil pH of 4.0 to 5.5. The soil in central Florida is generally too alkaline for good blueberry growth. If unsure of your soil pH, many universities offer soil testing services or purchase a soil test kit from a local garden store.

Plant the shrub at the same depth it was growing in its previous container. Blueberries are commonly sold as bare root or container grown plants. Cultivars that thrive in central Florida include 'Emerald' and 'Sharpblue'. Thse are both southern highbush varieties. Rabbiteye cultivars include 'Beckyblue' and 'Brightwell.' If you choose a southern highbush, make sure to plant two varieties as these are typically not self-pollinating.

Water well to collapse any air pockets and spread a thick layer of pine bark mulch around the roots but not touching the trunk. The mulch will help the soil retain water and regulation soil temperatures.

Feed your blueberry shrub with a 12-4-8 fertilizer. According to the University of Florida, a special blueberry fertilizer that provides the blueberry shrub with all the nutrients it needs is available in Florida. Feed your blueberry upon planting and then again every other month until October. Water well after fertilizing to assure the nutrients travel to the roots where they're needed.

Prune your blueberry plants with sharp pruning shears after harvest to assure good fruit production the following year. Remove 1/4 of the oldest canes to control size and increase new, more productive growth.