Description
Our Blueberry plants are self-pollinating but will bear a bigger yield and richer fruit if cross pollinated. They can be planted during any season, however, if planting in the hotter months, care must be taken to not let the roots dry out. They may go into shock during transit or replanting but are otherwise very resilient.
Cold hardy and can be container grown. We recommend approximately 50cm wide as the roots spread 60cm and to allow good drainage 50cm depth
Position
Full sun or semi-shade – 6-8 hours of sunshine daily.
Size
Approximate Height 1.5m Width 1m.
Soil
Soil preparation is the same for both pot and garden planting.
Acidic. Ph between 4.2 and 5 (VERY important)
Our farmer has taken many years of research and trials to perfect the soil mixture for maximum harvest.
Acid compost is the base soil, and Lithuanian Sphagnum Peat Moss is the minimum soil requirement , but we also recommend using our Berry mix, Volcanic Rock Dust and Pine Bark Mulch.
The Peat Moss must be soaked in water for, at least 24 hours before planting as it absorbs a lot of water initially and your plant roots will not receive water.
Place acid compost into the pot/hole and then add soaked peat moss, berry mix and volcanic rock dust to the top section and mix well. Gently place the plant (try not to disturb the roots) in the soil mixture and cover the roots (not the stem) with Pine Bark Mulch.
Mulch
Apply organic mulch to your tree all year round. Use from 2 to 5 centimetres of pine bark mulch to protect the roots from UV damage and drying out. It retains moisture, and maintains an optimal pH. Do not let the mulch touch the plant stem, as it may cause infection or rot.
Fertilising
Our Berry/All-plant Fertiliser is recommended rather than any other products. Less is more for your Blueberry plants when it comes to fertilising. Apply 1 teaspoon every 4-5 months.
Blueberries are salt and nitrate sensitive. Nitrates and chlorides should be avoided in fertiliser blends for blueberry plants. Blueberry plants DO NOT like any manure or harsh chemical fertiliser. If you have a worm farm REFRAIN from using the fertiliser for Blueberry plants
Pruning
These delightful little berries grow on the short side shoots produced during the previous year’s spring and summer. So, be sure not to cut these off. Prune your bush when it is about 5 years old. The best time to prune is in winter; only the dry branches and branches that have borne much fruit during the season need to be cut.
Harvesting
Different varieties of blueberries ripen at different times of the fruiting season. There are early-season, mid-season, and late-season varieties. So, choose a variety from these blueberry types to get the most out of your plants. This will extend the fruiting period of your harvest by a few months.
Don’t rush to pick the berries the moment they turn blue. Rather, wait a few days. They are perfectly ripe when they readily fall off the twig and into your hand.
