Growing notes
Blueberry plants grow slowly and reach full size in 8 to 10 years; plants won't have much fruit the first 2 to 3 years, but harvests are bigger after 5 years. Plant two or more varieties for successful pollination, as more berries of larger size will be produced if flowers are fertilized with pollen from another variety.
Harvest signs
Berries will turn from green to blue and are ready for harvest when they're completely blue and are springy when gently squeezed
▶Planting reference— Depth, spacing, pH, light
▶Pests & diseases— spotted wing drosophila, japanese beetle, rabbits and deer, cankers
Common questions
How much water does blueberry need?
Blueberry is water-sensitive — shallow roots and a steady thirst. Keep soil moisture in roughly the 45–65% range and don't let it dry out fully, or growth stalls and leafy crops turn bitter.
Can I grow blueberry in a raised bed or container?
Blueberry is a perennial that stays put for years, so give it a permanent in-ground spot or a large, deep container it can live in long-term.
Does blueberry come back every year?
Yes — blueberry is a perennial. Plant it once and it comes back each year, so pick a spot it can keep for several seasons.