April 12, 2024

How to Grow Blueberries

vaccinium spp.

Blueberry Shrubs

Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) are among the easiest native plants to grow in Northeast Ohio. These shrubs thrive in small spaces, so it’s easy to find a spot to grow them, and they add nice fall color to the landscape toward the end of the growing season. They are also incredibly low maintenance compared to other fruiting species, requiring minimal care and little pruning.

Blueberry Gardening

Care tips

Light | Full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight)

Soil | Well-drained, acidic soil (pH 4.0-5.0). Apply approximately 1 lb. of garden sulfur (Espoma® Soil Acidifier) per 100 sq. ft. to lower the soil pH by .5.

Fertilizer | Fertilize in spring and summer with Berry-tone®.

Water | Water deeply and thoroughly, 1-2″ of water per week.

Pruning | Established shrubs (4 years or older) should be pruned every year in late winter/early spring removing the weakest, oldest, crowded branches to improve yield.

Protection | Discourage deer and bird browsing by covering blueberry shrubs with netting.

 

Espoma Organic®

Berry-tone®

A natural and organic fertilizer specifically formulated to support the development of berry shrubs and fruit-producing plants.

two types

Highbush vs. Half-High

Highbush and half-high are the most commonly found varieties here in Northeast Ohio. Both varieties are productive native plants that yield delicious berries.

Northern Highbush (V. corymbosum) | The most popular of the two varieties, northern highbush provide an upright, spreading habit, growing 4-6′ tall and 3-6′ wide. They are self-fruitful, producing large, juicy berries. Hardy in zones 4-7.

Half-high | A hybrid between highbush and lowbush (V. angustifolium) varieties, these shrubs are more compact (2-4’tall) but just as hardy. These varieties are also self-fruitful, producing smaller but still sweet fruit. Hardy in zones 3-7.

The Importance of

Bloom TImes

Amongst the varieties we grow here at Petitti’s there are early, mid, and late season bloomers. Selecting varieties with different bloom times improves pollination, which in turn increases yield and extends berry harvest throughout summer. For example, planting ‘Duke’ (early), ‘Blueray’ (midseason), and ‘Elliot’ (late) will keep pollinators attracted to the area for an extended time, improving fruit pollination. Plus, berries will ripen in stages, providing fresh fruit for weeks!

Video Spotlight

Care Tips + Varieties

Planting blueberries is an outstanding way to support our local pollinators, plus you also get to enjoy their perfectly delicious fruit and fabulous fall color! In this video, Noelle explains the simple steps to growing blueberries well, including how to acidify your soil, plus cross-pollination and the benefits of planting a mix of early, mid, and late season producers.

Back to Berry Bush Gardening

growing blueberries

like a boss

It’s no secret blueberries are a delicious, easy-to-grow fruit, but did you know they are among the foods richest in antioxidants and vitamin K? In addition to the fantastic health benefits they have for humans, they support local pollinators, hosting more than two hundred species of caterpillars (butterfly and moth) and bees!

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