How to Grow Blueberries

Quick facts about growing blueberries

Blueberries need full sun.
Blueberries require acidic soil.
Plant two or more varieties for successful pollination.
Plants won't have much fruit the first 2 to 3 years.
Harvest is bigger after 5 years.
Blueberry plants grow slowly and reach full size in 8 to 10 years.

Are blueberries easy to grow?
Where is the best place to plant blueberry bushes?
Can you grow blueberries in your backyard?
How do blueberries grow successfully?
Do you need 2 blueberry bushes to produce fruit?
Do blueberries need a lot of sun?
Do blueberries need a lot of water?
Do blueberries like coffee grounds?
Do blueberry bushes spread?
How many blueberries will one plant produce?
What should I plant next to blueberries?
How long does it take for blueberries to grow from seed?

Are blueberries easy to grow?

Native to North America, blueberries grow well in acidic soil and in areas with at least 140 frost-free days per year. They're also perfect for organic gardeners since they can easily be grown without pesticides. ... This reliable plant is super easy to grow and produces pounds and pounds of blueberries.

Where is the best place to plant blueberry bushes?

Select a sunny, sheltered spot. While blueberries are tolerant of shade, better crops are obtained in the sun. At the same time, they should not be exposed to harsh, drying winds. Don't plant blueberries too close to trees, as the trees will not only block out sunlight, but will also suck up any moisture in the soil.

Can you grow blueberries in your backyard?

Blueberries also do well in patio containers and offer a great way for apartment and condo dwellers and those with little or no yard to enjoy blueberries. Blueberries prefer acidic soils. A fail-safe way to grow blueberries in almost any soil is to incorporate peat moss into the planting medium.

How do blueberries grow successfully?

Like most fruits, blueberries do best when they have full sun all day. They can cope with a bit of shade, but if you want lots of blueberries off your bushes, they need to be planted in full sun. They also prefer moist soil that is free-draining and has lots of organic matter.

Do you need 2 blueberry bushes to produce fruit?

Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) bushes are self-pollinating to an extent, but grow larger fruit through cross-pollination by a second variety. Bees and wind help bushes to cross-pollinate, although the bushes need to be near each other to be productive.

Do blueberries need a lot of sun?

Blueberry plants need full sun:

Blueberries will tolerate partial shade, especially late in the day. Blueberries will grow in higher pH, but to achieve highest production, you will need to amend the soil around the plants.

Do blueberries need a lot of water?

Water blueberry plants during the day. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Give them at least 1" per week during growing season and up to 4" per week during fruit ripening. ... Too much water can lead to large, bland fruit.

Do blueberries like coffee grounds?

Coffee grounds are highly acidic, they note, so they should be reserved for acid-loving plants like azaleas and blueberries. And if your soil is already high in nitrogen, the extra boost from coffee grounds could stunt the growth of fruits and flowers.

Do blueberry bushes spread?

Blueberry plants will gradually spread from their growing location through a process called suckering. New, fast-growing shoots grow out of the soil from the main root cluster a few inches from the main clump. ... After one or two growing seasons, the suckers can be carefully severed from the main root clump and replanted.

How many blueberries will one plant produce?

You can expect to average around five to seven pints of fresh, sweet blueberries per plant each summer. Blueberries are remarkably carefree. You aren't likely to encounter many insects or diseases, and if birds are a problem, just cover the plants with netting.

What should I plant next to blueberries?

Plant blueberries near flowers like lilacs and azaleas. Lilacs attract pollinators and provide shade with its fragrant blossoms. Towering, lush rhododendrons and azaleas offer shade and attractive blossoms during particularly hot summers, and thrive best in the same hot, acidic environment as blueberries.

How long does it take for blueberries to grow from seed?

Blueberry seeds may take 6 - 8 weeks to germinate, even up to three months. Chilling your blueberry seeds prior to planting will enhance their germination rate and help ensure a successful outcome.