Information on Blueray Blueberry Bushes

Description

• The Blueray blueberry bush (Vaccinium corymbosum 'Blueray') is a dense, upright deciduous shrub that, at maturity, attains a height of 5 to 6 feet and a width of 4 feet. Pink-tinged white blossoms give rise to round, deep blue fruits that measure a half-inch in diameter. The berries are aromatic and dessert quality. The fruiting season lasts from mid-June to early July. The shrub's green foliage turns a beautiful shade of burgundy in the fall. The Blueray blueberry is an excellent choice for the home garden.

Planting

• The Blueray blueberry bush is hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 7. The shrub has three main preferences: sun, acidic soil, and moisture. Full sun optimizes both berry yield and quality. The soil pH should be between 4 and 4.5. Soil acidity can be increased using sphagnum peat moss, sulfur granules, or compost made from pine needles, oak leaves and oak bark. Well-drained soil that is high in organic matter is preferred. Plants should be spaced 4 feet apart.

Care

• Blueberry bushes, in general, have a very shallow root systems that are sensitive to fluctuations in moisture. They require 1 to 2 inches of water per week and will require supplemental watering during times of drought. A 3- to 4-inch layer of pine bark mulch helps to maintain soil acidity and retain moisture. The Blueray blueberry bush should not need pruning until its fourth year. At that time, prune dead, damaged and interior crossing branches. Pruning should be done in mid-March while the shrub is dormant. Removing the plant's oldest canes in subsequent years will stimulate new plant growth.

Harvesting

• Blueberries ripen over time. Consequently, two to four pickings are usually required to harvest the Blueray blueberry bush. Berries are picked once per week. Fully ripe blueberries are removed and those that are still unripe are left on the plant for the next picking. Care must be used when hand picking blueberries. To remove the berries from the bush, gently roll them between the thumb and forefinger. Bluerays ideally produce 20 pounds of blueberries per bush. .

Pests and Disease

• The blueberry tip borer, cherry fruit worm, cranberry fruit worm, and plum curculio are potential insect pests of Blueray blueberry bushes. Twig and blossom blight, cane gall, leaf spot. mummy berry, and powdery mildew represent potential disease problems. As with any shrub, removal of interior crossing branches will promote air circulation and aid in preventing disease. Inspect bushes frequently for insect and disease damage and consult your local nursery for control and eradication measures.