Aluminum Sulfate & Blueberry Plants

Test

• Determine whether a garden additive such as aluminum sulfate is necessary before applying to your garden. Purchase a soil pH test kit and test the soil in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.

  Blueberry bushes prosper in acidic soil ranging in pH from 4.0 to 5.3. A common problem with soil pH can be high concentrations of lime, which tends to neutralize the soil acidity, giving it a higher pH than desired for growing blueberry bushes. In situations in which pH is too high, a soil acidifier may need to be applied to bring soil pH within the proper range.

Aluminum Sulfate

• Aluminum sulfate is a white granulated chemical that works as a soil acidifier when applied properly. It modifies soil pH so plants that require lower soil pH levels, such as blueberry bushes, may grow in areas where the native soil may be more pH neutral.

Application

• A hole must be dug to accommodate the blueberry bush being planted. The hole should be approximately twice the size of the diameter of the root ball of the blueberry bush. After the hole has been dug, aluminum sulfate can be mixed into the extracted soil with a garden rake, in a ratio recommended by the manufacturer.

  Once the aluminum sulfate has been mixed through the extracted soil, a base layer of the soil mix can be placed into the hole, and the blueberry bush can then be inserted into the hole. The hole can then be filled with the remainder of the soil mix. Make sure the soil is not tightly packed into the hole, but is firm enough to support the blueberry bush.

Alternatives

• Elemental sulfur can also be used in place of aluminum sulfate as a garden soil acidifier, and is sometimes sold as "flowers of sulfur." Much smaller amounts of elemental sulfur are required for the same soil acidification effects of aluminum sulfate. Over-application of elemental sulfur is common and can lead to yellowing of the blueberry bush, thus aluminum sulfate is often recommended for ease of application.

Availability

• Aluminum sulfate can typically be purchased in a 1- to 4-pound bag or container, and can be found at home and garden centers, nurseries or online.

Additional Information

• For additional information specific to using aluminum sulfate for growing blueberry bushes in your area, contact your agriculture extension office.