Growing blueberries

Where to plant blueberry bushes ?

Blueberry should be planted in full sun in the North of France and preferably in partial shade in the South. Choose a sheltered spot.

To ensure good pollination and fruiting, it is advisable to plant at least 2 to 3 blueberry plants, of the same variety or different varieties (including self-fertile varieties). Space the plants 1.20 m apart in all directions.

Blueberry is very hardy (-30°C for the plant but -5°C for the flowers) and has a particularly long lifespan. In the garden, this bush will integrate beautifully into acid soil beds, alongside rhododendrons, azaleas, hydrangeas, heathers…

When and how to plant?

Planting of the Blueberry is ideally done in autumn or throughout the year, except during periods of intense heat or frost.

Plant it in acid soil (pH between 4 and 5.5), incorporating pure heather soil or a mixture of ordinary soil and turf, along with well-decomposed bark compost.

The collar should be level with the soil. Firm the soil and water generously. In slightly calcareous soil, dig a hole 50 to 60 cm deep, line the edges with a garden felt, place a 10 cm thick layer of non-calcareous gravel at the bottom, and then fill with a mixture of heather soil.

Care to be provided

The soil should remain cool but not waterlogged: the plant tolerates moderate drought and fears stagnant moisture.

If watering is necessary, it should be done with non-limestone and non-chlorinated water (for example, rainwater). Mulch the base with shredded bark, straw, or fern leaves. It can sometimes be useful to place a protective net if birds become too greedy at harvest time. Every spring, add a little well-matured compost to the surface.

The Blueberry is not very susceptible to diseases and pests.

Pruning the blueberry bush

For the first three years, allow the bush to grow naturally. Fruits appear on 2-year-old branches and become rare on branches that are 4 years old and older. Remove the old wood (branches that have borne fruit for 3 or 4 years) every year at the end of winter using pruning shears. If formative pruning is necessary, it is best to carry it out in summer, just after the harvest of the fruits.