How to Grow Chippewa Blueberries

Select a protected, sunny location for your plants. Conduct a soil test one year prior to planting the blueberries. Soil test kits are available from local county extension offices or commercial labs and provide a detailed analysis of the fertility and pH level of your soil. If a soil test indicates a high pH level, dig in sulfur at the rate recommended by the soil test.

Lay 2 to 4 inches of compost, peat moss and shredded leaves, in equal amounts, on the soil and dig the soil amendments to a depth of 12 inches. Plant blueberries in early spring or fall, spacing them 4 to 5 feet apart. Plant Chippewa blueberry bushes 1 to 2 inches deeper than they were planted at the nursery.

Fertilize newly planted bushes four weeks after planting with a granular 20-0-10+5 fertilizer. Spread 1 oz. of fertilizer on the soil in a band 12 to 18 inches around the blueberry plant, taking care not to get fertilizer on the plant itself. Fertilizer applied directly to the plant may burn the leaves and roots.

Water Chippewa blueberries weekly during hot weather to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Drought stress causes reduced yields, according to Michigan State University. Standing water may cause root rot.

Prune young Chippewa blueberry plants, regardless of planting time, in late winter or early spring to remove dead and diseased limbs only. Remove flower buds the first summer to encourage the bush to put energy into producing a healthy plant. Prune mature blueberry bushes to remove dead and diseased limbs and control size. Remove one or two old, less vigorous canes by cutting them to the ground.

Cover ripening blueberries with netting to protect from birds and squirrels.

Taste blueberries and pick them when they are blue, but still firm. Rub the blueberries between two fingers to gently remove them from the bush. Blueberries are usually harvested for a period of two to four weeks.