What Time of the Year Should Blueberry Bushes Get Planted?

Regional Planting Times

• In general, plant blueberries in early spring as soon as the soil is soft. Planting at this time allows the blueberries to develop strong roots before the heat of summer or fall frosts. In the South, plant blueberries in February or March. In the North, plant blueberries in April or May. Blueberries can also be planted in the fall in the South, between November and December.

Soil Preparation

• Blueberries require acidic soil with a pH between 4.0 and 5.0 to thrive. Have your soil tested before planting blueberries and amend the soil with sulfur if necessary. Dig in several quarts of compost or peat moss for each plant to lighten the soil and improve drainage. Blueberries don't tolerate heavy, wet soils. Gardeners with highly alkaline soils will have difficulty keeping the soil acidic enough. Consider growing blueberries in containers instead.

Planting Tips

• Plant blueberries at the same depth as they grew at the nursery. Space them four to six feet apart, depending on the variety. You'll notice a soil mark on bare root plants that indicates the previous planting depth. Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of wood chip mulch to the soil after planting to keep the soil moist and minimize weed growth.

Varieties

• Contact a county extension office to choose varieties suited to your area. Most gardeners in the South grow rabbiteye blueberries or Southern highbush. Northern highbush is a cold-hardy type suitable for regions with harsh winters. Blueberries are not self-pollinating. Plant two blueberry plants of different, but compatible, varieties to ensure good yields.