Highbush Blueberry Care
Vaccinium corymbosum
A fruit shrub that needs acidic (pH 4.5-5.5), organic-matter-rich and moist soil. In calcareous soil, or when watered with hard water, its leaves turn yellow; for this reason it is mostly grown in pots or in a special mix.
Monthly care calendar
Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.
- Watering: Water a newly planted specimen more often than established plants during its first year, as its root system is still shallow.
- Pruning: While dormant, remove dry, broken, crossing and inward-growing branches so that air and light reach the inside of the crown. Remove the flowers for the first two years; in later years, rejuvenate the shrub by cutting stems older than 6 years at the base.
- General care: Good time for planting and transplanting.
- Watering: Water a newly planted specimen more often than established plants during its first year, as its root system is still shallow.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer or well-rotted organic fertilizer once when it wakes from dormancy. It loves acidic soil; if interveinal yellowing (chlorosis) appears on the leaves in limy soil, prefer an acidic fertilizer. Because yield and fruit quality depend on nutrient balance, having a soil analysis done is especially useful for this plant.
- Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
- General care: Good time for planting and transplanting.
- Pests & diseases: During humid and cool periods, monitor the leaves and trunk for signs of mold, spots and rot.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water 1-2 times a week.
- General care: Flowering begins.
- Watering: Water 2-3 times a week. Water around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm.
- General care: Flowering continues. Spread mulch 5-7 cm thick over the root zone; it conserves soil moisture and suppresses weeds. Do not pile mulch against the trunk.
- Watering: Water deeply 3-4 times a week, early in the morning. Water around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm. Frequent shallow watering pulls the roots to the surface.
- Watering: Water deeply 3-4 times a week, early in the morning. Water around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm. Frequent shallow watering pulls the roots to the surface.
- Watering: Water deeply 3-4 times a week, early in the morning. Water around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm. Frequent shallow watering pulls the roots to the surface.
- Watering: Water 2-3 times a week. Water around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water 1-2 times a week.
- Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
- Pests & diseases: During humid and cool periods, monitor the leaves and trunk for signs of mold, spots and rot.
- Watering: Water a newly planted specimen more often than established plants during its first year, as its root system is still shallow.
- Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
- General care: Good time for planting and transplanting. Collect fallen leaves; many disease agents and pests overwinter under them.
- Pests & diseases: During humid and cool periods, monitor the leaves and trunk for signs of mold, spots and rot.
The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.
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