How to Plant Duke Blueberry Bushes

Duke blueberry bushes are one of the most widely planted northern high-bush varieties. The plants bloom late and ripen early and produce firm, flavorful, medium-blue berries. Commercial growers find it hard to keep the Duke blueberry bushes growing well over a long period of time, so they must employ good cultural practices to promote the plants' vigor, according to FallsCreekNursery.com. Plant Duke blueberry bushes in the spring in northern climates and fall in southern climates.

Shovel
Peat
Compost
Hose
Fertilizer
Mulch
Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a sunny planting site that is sheltered from wind. Blueberry bushes prefer well-drained, sandy loam, but will grow in peat and compost amended soils.
- 2
  Remove the bushes from their containers and gently loosen the outside surface of each rootball.
- 3
  Dig planting holes two times the diameter of each rootball. Space the hole 6 feet apart for individual plants. Space rows 10 feet apart if planting a grove.
- 4
  Set the plants in the holes 1 to 2 inches deeper than they grew in the nursery. Backfill the remaining soil and tamp to firm.
- 5
  Provide the plants with enough water to moisten the top 12 inches of the soil immediately after planting. Thereafter, provide the bushes with 1 to 2 inches of water per week. Do not allow the water to puddle as Duke blueberry bushes are sensitive to high moisture levels.
- 6
  Spread a 2- to 4-inch layer of pine bark mulch or straw under the bushes to retain moisture and prevent weeds.
- 7
  Apply an acid fertilizer three to four weeks after planting. Spread the fertilizer 15 inches around the base of the plant.
- 8
  Prune all first-year blooms to prevent the bushes from bearing too much fruit. Over-fruiting wears the plants out in a few years.

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