Blueberry
Plant two different cultivars near each other for the best crop — while some self-fertilise, cross-pollination between two cultivars significantly improves yield.
Care
Consistently moist, ideally with rainwater — tap water in hard-water areas can raise soil pH over time.
Acidic, humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil essential; grow in a pot with ericaceous, peat-free compost on any but naturally acidic soil.
Minimal for the first 2-3 years; thereafter remove some of the oldest, least productive stems each winter to encourage new fruiting wood.
An ericaceous feed monthly through spring and early summer — an ordinary fertiliser will not do, and lime in the soil or in tap water locks out iron and yellows the leaves. Use rainwater in pots wherever possible.
Semi-ripe cuttings in summer in an ericaceous, gritty mix under cover; they root slowly. Remember you need two different varieties nearby for a decent crop, so propagate accordingly.
Month by month
Months change with the climate: in southern Italy tomatoes go out two months earlier than in England.
- FebruaryRemove some of the oldest stems on established plants while dormant. how ›
- AprilEnjoy the spring flowers, which attract pollinators.
- AugustHarvest as berries ripen through summer.
Months based on climate: UK. Your choice stays on this device.
- FebruaryRemove some of the oldest stems on established plants while dormant. how ›
- AprilEnjoy the spring flowers, which attract pollinators.
- AugustHarvest as berries ripen through summer.
Months based on climate: Northern Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
- JanuaryRemove some of the oldest stems on established plants while dormant. how ›
- MarchEnjoy the spring flowers, which attract pollinators.
- AugustHarvest as berries ripen through summer.
Months based on climate: Central Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
- JanuaryRemove some of the oldest stems on established plants while dormant. how ›
- MarchEnjoy the spring flowers, which attract pollinators.
- AugustHarvest as berries ripen through summer.
Months based on climate: Southern Italy and islands. Your choice stays on this device.
Common problems
How to spot it. Yellowing leaves on soil or water that's too alkaline.
What to do. Switch to ericaceous compost and rainwater.
How to spot it. On fruit in wet weather.
What to do. Improve airflow.
How to spot it. Taking the crop.
What to do. Net if the crop is at risk.
Questions
Blueberry: is it hardy?
H6: Hardy in the vast majority of UK gardens. It survives down to −20 °C.
Can it grow in a pot?
Often the easiest way to guarantee the acidic conditions this genus needs.
Blueberry: when do you prune it?
Minimal for the first 2-3 years; thereafter remove some of the oldest, least productive stems each winter to encourage new fruiting wood. In the calendar for UK, pruning falls in February.
Blueberry: when does it flower?
In the climate of UK it flowers in April–May.
When do you feed it?
An ericaceous feed monthly through spring and early summer — an ordinary fertiliser will not do, and lime in the soil or in tap water locks out iron and yellows the leaves. Use rainwater in pots wherever possible. Feeding months, UK: March–June.