Blueberry Plants

Blueberry plants can be grown in a container (largish) or in the ground. Most commonly found in the Northern states, many blueberries find homes in the South and Southwest.

All it takes is a little work and your luscious blueberry pancakes are almost ready!

Which type of blueberry plants to choose

There are many different varieties to choose from with blueberries. Two of the most popular varieties for home gardens are Blueray and Bluecrop.

Both have large berries (usually about 60-65 per cup), but the Bluecrop is considered to be the best for consistent yields.

Also, the Bluecrop is known for its lovely green color in the summer and the fiery red it turns in the fall.

The Bluecrop grows about four to six feet tall and has an upright form, and is self fertile.

The Blueray blueberry ripens before the Bluecrop (early to mid season) and is also highly prized as an ornamental.

Similar to the Bluecrop in height and self fertile as well, the Blueray is well known for its stunning pink flowers in the spring, a dark green color in the summer, turning burgundy in the fall.

And a special note about the Blueray, it performs well in areas with hot summers or very cold winters.

Both are hardy in Zones 4 through 9, but the Blueray’s heat tolerance can set it apart if you are gardening in more of a desert climate.

If you are in a colder climate be aware that your blueberries will not be happy if it the weather goes below -20 degrees.

How to plant your blueberry shrubs

Blueberries prefer an acidic soil, so if you live in an area that is neutral or alkaline, you will need to amend the soil around your blueberry plant to keep it happy.

Peat moss is an excellent way to raise the acidity of the soil and even if you are in more of an acid area, incorporating peat moss into the initial planting is recommended.

When planning where to plant your blueberries, try to find areas that have morning sun and afternoon shade.

Also, make sure to give them at least three feet apart if you are trying to create a hedge, and four to six feet if you are trying to space them out to create a less formal look.

Dig your holes at least as deep as the container that they are in and then two to three times the width of the container. Then mix composted material, peat moss and your native soil together to create your planting mix.

What happens next?

As your blueberry plants grow, don’t forget to water. Consistent watering schedule is very important. Even in the winter, if you can water them once a month, you will have happier, healthier plants come spring.

Harvest when you can see that the blueberries are ripe. That’s one great thing about these little guys, they are straightforward and don’t keep you guessing. Enjoy the fruits of your labors!