Blueberries

A fairly new crop to NZ

originating in North America used as medicine and dye

soothe coughs

rubbed into meat to help preserve it

Shallow rooted. do not like wterlogged or compacted soils however shallow roots like to be moist so a good layer of mulch is important

like a low soil pH of 4.0-5.0 – do well in acidic soils.  Do not add lime

add 10 litres of peat soaked ovenight and mixed with equal ammounts of soil to the planting hole for a kick start

lowering alkalinty of soil can be balanced with sulphur.  sandy soil 30-60 grams per sq m/  loam 60-90 grams, clay 90-120 grams

like nitrogen rich fert especially when fruiting – fish fert

propagate in high summerusing a cutting mix of 60%sand 40% peatnew growth about 15cm long just below leaf node.  keep in warm shady spot.  keep moist not sodden\

Low maintenance once established.  Grow 1.5-3m tall.  Slow growing.  Ideal for containers.

Flavour at its best several days after the berries turn blue.  at 3-4 years old plants should yield 1-2.5kg of fruit.

Likes full sun, need a winter chill to help set flowers.  Likes acidic soil.  If growing in pots use azalea/rhododendron potting mix.

Sensitive to drought when young.

three different types norther highbush, southern highbush and rabbiteye.

flower in spring

partially self fertile but do better if they can cross pollinate.

cross pollination chart

plant in sheltered spots.

Print