How to Grow Blueberries in a Greenhouse

Greenhouse Conditions

• 1

  Use soil with a pH of 4.5 to 4.8 for blueberries. Mix a ratio of 40 percent coir, 40 percent peat and 20 percent perlite for an ideal grow medium, although blueberries will tolerate a pH up to 5.2. Coir is shredded coconut husk.

• 2

  Use ammonium sulfate or a soluble, high-acid 21-7-7 fertilizer to maintain a low pH in the soil. Apply a slow release 14-14-14 fertilizer for steady feeding over an extended period.

• 3

  Allow the blueberries a cool period in the fall, called a chill time, so they can set their fruit for the next season.

Plants

• 4

  Buy either the no-chill or low-chill blueberry genotypes such as Star, Santa Fe and Southmoon so wintering in a warm greenhouse won't interrupt berry production.

• 5

  Get 2- or 3-year-old plants; they won't begin regular fruiting until they are 4 or 5 years old.

• 6

  Plant several varieties for good cross-pollination and high fruit yields. Extend the fruit season by planting a combination of early-, mid- and late-season varieties.

• 7

  Mix larger, sweeter-berried highbush varieties with hardy lowbush blueberries.

Growing

• 8

  Give low-chill cultivars 200 to 400 hours of 35- to 45-degree Fahrenheit temperatures annually by leaving the doors and windows open in late fall or early winter .

• 9

  Plant shallow rooted blueberries in 1-gallon pots. In cold climates, put these inside larger pots filled half way with soil to keep the roots moist but not waterlogged.

• 10

  Water thoroughly. Add vinegar to the irrigation water to maintain an acidic environment.

• 11

  Fertilize weekly with soluble, high-acid 21-7-7 fertilizer between July and September.

• 12

  Pinch off the flowers the first year to allow the plants to develop strong roots.