Blueberries
Overview
Blueberry - Vaccinium corymbosum
Most of the cultivated forms of blueberry that are to be found in gardens today are bred from the north American blueberry. There are two distinct types to be found in cultivation, the high bush that can reach a height of 1.5metres/5ft or the shorter growing low bush that may grow 60cms/2ft. tall. The dwarfed varieties are especially suitable for growing in pots, raised beds or containers. Both varieties of blueberries require the same growing conditions. Their natural growing habitat is in boggy soil which is very acidic with a pH of 5.5. Because most garden soils aren’t this acid these conditions are difficult to replicate in the garden. Always carry out a pH test on the soil before buying any plants.
There are British and European forms of blueberries that grow wild on the acidic, heathland moors of mountains, but they are vastly inferior in taste to the cultivated forms.
Although blueberries are considered to be self-fertile it is recommended to always plant to different cultivars to cross fertilise each other and ensure that there is a good crop of berries.
How to grow
Planting season – October to November
Planting distance - 1.5metres/5ft each way between plants.
Cultivation- Mains water could contain lime or chemicals that will affect the growth of the bushes, only water with rain water. Mulch around the bushes with well-rotted wood chips or bark to conserve moisture and suppress weed growth.
Pruning- Very little pruning is required in the early years other than to cut out weak, crossing, damaged or diseased branches. After a few years some of the older wood will become less productive and will have to be pruned out to be replaced by younger wood.
How to Harvest
Ripe blueberries are uniformly blue and plump, if it still looks reddish, it isn't quite ready.