Highbush Blueberry
Vaccinium corymbosum
Long-lived bushes that need acid soil and reward patience.
Sun
Full sun
Water
3–5 cm / week
Soil
Very acidic, pH 4.5–5.5
Spacing
1.5 m apart
Days to harvest
First harvest year 2–3
Hardiness
Zones 3–8
Seasonal Calendar
The method
- 1
Acidify the soil
Amend with pine bark, peat, or elemental sulfur. Test pH — this is the single most important step.
- 2
Plant two varieties
Cross-pollination between two cultivars dramatically increases yield.
- 3
Mulch deeply
5–10 cm of pine needles or bark keeps roots cool and moisture even.
- 4
Prune yearly
In late winter, remove old wood and thin the center to keep the bush productive.
- 5
Net the fruit
Cover with netting as berries color up — birds will strip an unprotected bush in a day.
Common problems
Yellow leaves (chlorosis)
Soil pH is too high. Top-dress with sulfur or an acidic mulch.
Bird damage
Net the bush once fruit begins to turn blue.
Good neighbors
Field tips
- “Rainwater is best — tap water can slowly raise soil pH.”
- “Berries continue ripening on the bush for a week after turning blue; the sweetest are the last picked.”