My Blueberry Bushes Have Frost Damage to the Leaves

Variety

• How much damage the blueberry bushes sustain depends on the variety. Highbush varieties can survive temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit, while dormant, while rabbiteye bushes are damaged at zero degrees. Hardy bushes with frost-damaged leaves are more likely to recover quickly than those grown in warm climates. Select hardy varieties, such as Blueray, Northland or Patriot, if you live in a Northern climate prone to cold winters.

Frost Damage

• Inspect the blueberry plant closely. If the damage is limited to the leaves, your blueberry bushes may yet produce fruit. If the buds haven't opened and don't appear water-soaked or blackened, they'll probably survive. Blossoms that have a browned or water-soaked appearance may not produce fruit, or will produce fruit of inferior quality. Prune out any leaves and branches that turn brown or black.

Time Frame

• Blueberry bushes are most susceptible to injury as the blossoms are opening. The leaves are of secondary importance. When blossoms are fully open, the plants may sustain damage when temperatures drop to 28 F, even for only a few minutes.

Solutions

• Although there is no cure for already damaged blueberries, prevent damage by planting hardy varieties on a gently sloped, sunny site. Low-lying areas collect frost pockets. Avoid tilling the soil in spring and fall, which increases frost damage and leave some old, large canes when pruning. These canes withstand frost better than young, tender sprouts.