How to Prune New Growth on Georgia Blueberry Bushes

Prune new plants by removing all the low, twiggy growth, then tip (remove the top of) all remaining shoots. This will take off all the flower buds. One-half to one-third of the new plant top will be trimmed in this initial pruning.

During the first year, remove any flowers or fruit that were missed during the initial pruning process. Blueberry bushes should not begin producing fruit until their second year. Once the blueberry bush is established, a yearly pruning is recommended.

Study the blueberry bush before the annual pruning. Select two or three main canes that will anchor the plant. Canes are initially green shoots in the summer that become hard and turn brown as they mature. Since they anchor the blueberry bush and will not be cut, visualize what the plant will look like after you have pruned it.

Remove all dead wood and broken canes before pruning new growth. Step back once again and view the plant, making sure these cuts have not affected which canes you plan to keep. For older, more established plants, remove no more than two or three mature canes to keep from removing too many fruit buds.

Begin cane renewal pruning when the blueberry bush reaches 6 to 8 feet tall. At this point, begin removing one to three of the largest canes every winter. Over the following five years, new canes will grow from where the old were cut and the bush will be completely renewed.