Blueberry

Fruit · cool season

Blueberries ripening on the bush, from pale green to deep blue
Photo: PhreddieH3 at English Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

When to plant

  • Set out plants about 3 weeks before your average last spring frost.

Needs acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5). Plant two varieties for better yields.

Frost dates depend on where you live. Enter your ZIP code to get exact dates.

Growing basics

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Spacing
4–6 ft
Soil temperature
At least 45°F
Containers
At least 15 gallons
Plant family
Other
Harvest per plant
About 5 lb

Companions

Keep apart: Horseradish. Horseradish spreads aggressively. Give it its own spot.

Keep apart: Mint. Mint spreads aggressively into neighbors. Keep it in a pot.

Keep apart: Fennel (bulb). Fennel slows the growth of most garden plants. Grow it on its own.

Keep apart: Sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke). Sunchokes spread aggressively and shade neighbors.

Pests and problems

Grow it well

Tips

  • Net berries before they ripen. Birds know when fruit is ripe a day before you do. Put netting over berries and cherries as soon as the first ones start to color.

More garden tips →

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