How to Propagate Blueberries at Home

Cut 8-inch cuttings from the blueberry bush after the first flush of growth in late spring through early summer or after harvest in late summer. Wrap the young spring branches in damp paper towels and place them in plastic bags to prevent moisture loss.

Fill a stem propagation tray with rooting soil. Moisten the soil with water until it has the consistency of a damp sponge.

Clip all leaves from the bottom half of the blueberry branch. Cut the remaining leaves in two if they are longer than 2 inches.

Cut the bottom end of the branch at an angle and dip it into rooting hormone. Tap gently to remove any excess. Stick the cut end into the rooting soil to a depth of 4 inches and firm the soil to hold in it place. Space the branches so the remaining leaves do not touch.

Mist the blueberry branches lightly with water and place a clear plastic bag over the tray. Set the propagation tray in an area with a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit and indirect sunlight.

Monitor the soil moisture by opening the cover each day. Mist the branches with water as needed to keep the soil the consistency of a damp sponge. Fall-season branches may require a daily misting to stimulate root production.

Pull on the spring branches after four weeks of growth to see if there is resistance from root growth. Fall-season branches produce roots three to six months after planting. Keep the branches in the covered tray until the roots are at least 1 inch long.

Transplant the blueberry branches to individual 4-inch pots. Grow the branches indoors until the following spring. Fertilize the branches when transplanting with a half-rate application of a balanced fertilizer.