Blueberry Production Ins and Outs
Commercial growers are increasingly drawn to blueberry cultivation, driven by rising market demand and the berries' nutritional and culinary appeal. Known for their antioxidant-rich profile, blueberries offer increased market opportunities, adaptability to diverse climates, and an extended harvest period, making them an attractive choice for crop diversification. With low-input requirements, decreased pest pressure and high productive lifespans, blueberries present growers with a compelling option for expanding their crop offerings.
Site Preparation
- Soil pH is one of the most important factors of a successful blueberry planting. Our recommendations are a pH in the 4.5–4.8 range. Even a pH of 5.0 is too high!
- We advise taking soil samples to get a read on your pH early in the year prior, to make changes well in advance of planting. It is importantto test the soil’s pH level, so you are able to amend it properly.
- Elemental sulfur is the best material to use to reduce soil pH. Amend soil with sulfur, not ammonium sulfate or aluminum sulfate.
- The amount of sulfur to be incorporated varies according to the soil type: sand (light), loam (medium), clay (heavy), as well as the present pH level of your soil.
- Planting on raised beds is highly recommended to improve soil drainage in the rooting zone, particularly on heavier soils.
- Selecting a site with a gentle slope (3–4%) and good air drainage will also promote faster drying of foliage, flowers, and fruit. This can reduce the duration and frequency of disease infection periods. Recommended plant spacing is 4–5 feet in the row and 10–12 feet between the rows.
Planting & Mulching
- We recommend planting early in the spring when soil temperatures are in the 45–50 degree range.
- Wood chips can be mixed into the soil prior to planting. Wood chips aerate the soil, increasing drainage and root penetration.
- Put a 2–3 inch deep layer of wood chips over your planting row and incorporate it thoroughly into the top 6–8 inches of soil.
- Good weed control during the first year is essential. Maintain a 3”-4” layer of aged wood chips as mulch to support water retention.
- Avoid treated or colored wood chips or mulch. Do not use Cedar or Black Walnut chips. Also avoid using leaves, or an excessive amount of sawdust, as both can mat down and prevent moisture from reaching the plant’s roots.
- Regular, manual weeding will be necessary.
Fertilization
- Do not fertilize at planting. To avoid burning the roots, wait four to six weeks after planting before fertilizing however, do not fertilize after the end of June.
- During the planting year apply 1 oz. ammonium sulfate in a circular band around each plant.
- Subsequent years, apply 2 oz. of ammonium sulfate at bloom time, and again one month later.
Do not use fertilizer which contains potassium chloride as blueberries can be adversely affected. We also do not recommend aluminum sulfate.
Irrigation
- Drip irrigation is an essential component to successful blueberry production.
- Blueberries have a shallow, fibrous root system and do not like wet soils. They perform best with frequent, short-duration watering cycles.
- Maintain moisture, and do not allow roots to dry out. Water one to three times per week, not every day. Drip irrigation placed beneath the mulch layer is the healthiest and most efficient method. We suggest having your local irrigation sales company review your field layout for the best recommendation.
Pruning
- Remove all flowers during the first two to three years. Do not allow berries to develop.
- No pruning is needed during the first three years, unless you discover broken, damaged or diseased branches.
- After the first three years, blueberries should be pruned annually during the dormant period.
- Prune to have approximately 12 canes per plant. Older, heavy branches in the center should be removed to improve air circulation and light penetration.
- Remove lower, weak and damaged branches and branches less than 6 inches long. These branches will never fruit and can serve as an entrance point for disease.
- New wood produces the largest fruit. Canes should be a mix of 1–3 year-old and any canes over 2 inches in diameter should be removed.
Pest Management
While relatively free of major pest concerns there are still some pests which need to be managed to maximize yields, fruit quality, and extend the life of your planting. Based on experience, growers should be concerned with:
- Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD)
- Botrytis Fruit Rot (Grey Mold)
- Blueberry Maggot
- Fruitworms
- Mummy Berry
- Leaf Blight
- Mites
Venturing into blueberry production promises both a fruitful harvest and a resilient addition to your crop portfolio. Meticulous site preparation, emphasizing soil health, and strategic planting to effective pruning techniques and vigilant pest management will play a crucial role in ensuring the success of your blueberry cultivation.
