Blueberry Planting in South Texas

Characteristics

• Blueberries require potting mixes with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5 and quick draining soil. This pH level is met in some parts of East Texas, but there are very few, if any, acidic bogs in South Texas. Extension horticulturists base their Texas blueberry growing recommendations on the assumption that all plants will be grown in containers. Use a container about the size of a half whiskey barrel, 20-30 gallons. Make sure it drains well. Use a soil free peat base mix as a growing medium. Mulch with peat moss and avoid manures, as they are alkaline and salty.

Types

• Rabbiteye Tifblue (Vaccinium ashei 'Tifblue') is self fruitful, although some writers state it needs another cultivar for effective pollination. Tifblue gets enough chill hours below 45 degrees F to fruit as far south as Pleasanton, Texas, located in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8b, south of San Antonio. Tifblue bears fruit for four to six weeks ranging from late May to late July. Pick fruit when ripe in three to five day intervals. For growers who want another cultivar to pollinate, the Climax rabbiteye is an option.

Soil

• According to the Texas Cooperative Extension, "Soilless mixes should be soilless-absolutely no soil!" The goal is a soil free peat-based mix that is lightweight and retains water while being well-draining, disease and weed free, and topped with a peat moss mulch. Place the container where it will get full direct sunlight eight to 10 hours each day. Add peat moss for bulk when necessary, as peat moss has the desired pH and is not detrimental to blueberries.

Water

• The writers of "Blueberries for Texas" recommend using rainwater or air conditioner condensate to water blueberries. Blueberries require water with low sodium and bicarbonates, and most Texas water is high in salts and calcium. Water large plants once a week. A good test to check for moisture is to check the mix with your finger. If you feel moisture, do not water. The goal is to water the mix and not the plant. Water should come out the bottom of the container as water is poured around the base of the plant.

Fertilizer

• Mix in slow release Osmocote with the soil mix. Avoid rapid release nitrate fertilizers. Apply acid-based water soluble fertilizers once a month during the growing season once plants are established. Fertilizers made for azaleas work well with blueberries. A few small applications of one-eighth to one-fourth of a cup per plant during the spring and summer are better than one large application.