How Long Does it Take Blueberry Plants to Produce?

Time Frame

• Blueberries may be grown from nursery-purchased plants. They begin producing fruit during the third season after planting, according to the OSU Extension website, but the yield increases significantly after the sixth year. A healthy plant produces eight to 10 pounds of fruit.

Considerations

• Blueberries require full sun and at least 1 inch of water weekly during the growing season, so additional irrigation in dry climates is needed. They have the lowest soil pH requirement of any berry (4.5 to 5.5), preferring the same acidic soil as azaleas and rhododendrons. When soil becomes too alkaline, the leaves turn yellow because the plant can't take up iron.

Solutions

• The soil in many parts of the United States is too alkaline for blueberries. Amending the soil prior to planting with sulfur is generally recommended. Peat moss, pine needle or leaf mold mulches also raise the acid level. Treating the plants with a foliar spray of kelp solution or nettle tea may also help, advises "Mother Earth" magazine.