Can I Grow Wild Blueberries in Zone 7?

Zone 7

• USDA zone 7 stretches from the East Coast to the West Coast, and runs through central states like Oklahoma, Virginia, Arkansas, Texas and Nevada. This zone features hot, humid summers and winter temperatures down to freezing. This is the warmest zone for wild blueberry growing.

Season

• Plant wild blueberries in late winter in this region to give them a cool, moist start. Planting time in zone 7 ranges from late February to late March. Blueberries are hardy to frost, and don't need to wait until last frost lifts.

Site and Space

• Wild blueberries grow in partial shade, but won't produce a full fruit harvest there. Choose spots with full sunshine instead, and quick, efficient drainage. Drainage is especially important during winter for these perennial plants. Give each blueberry bush 4 to 6 feet of space for air circulation and growth.

Soil

• All blueberries require loose, crumbly and highly acidic soil. The Ohio State University Extension recommends mixing peat moss, aged wood chips, leaf mold, humus or compost into the top 4 to 6 inches of soil at planting. North Carolina State University goes on to recommend using 2 to 3 inches of organic amendment for this much natural soil, and preparing a plot 18 to 24 inches wide. This large plot gives blueberries room for root growth and plenty of drainage.

Water, Mulch, Fertilizer

• Blueberries need consistent moisture and nutrition to grow. Water wild blueberries with 2 inches of water every week, and use 2 to 3 inches of mulch over the soil to maintain moisture and warmth. The Ohio State University Extension suggests acidic mulches like sawdust and pine chips for these bushes. Give blueberries 10-10-10 granular fertilizer or fertilizer for acid-loving plants in spring, per manufacturer directions.