Chandler Blueberry Bush

Location: When selecting a site to plant your Blueberry bush, make sure the site has full sun and drains well. The plant grows best in moist soil, not in soggy soil. Blueberry plants require acidic, well-draining soil. When planted in soils with a pH higher than 5.5, blueberry plants do not absorb nutrients adequately and become more susceptible to disease. Blueberry plants contract moisture-related diseases when exposed to humid conditions or standing water.

Planting instructions: Dig a hole with the shovel that is about twice the size of the root ball of the bush. Make sure the hole is the same depth as the container it comes in. When planting more than one blueberry bush, dig holes that are at least five feet apart in rows that are 10 feet apart. Amend the soil from the hole with peat moss. Make sure to thoroughly mix the peat moss with the soil from the hole. Place the Blueberry bush in the hole. Cover the roots with soil-peat moss mix.

Watering: Water lightly until the plant is well-established. After that, only water when the soil is dry. Your blueberry bush should only need 1-2 inches of water per week in the first two years of growth, and a good watering every 10-14 days beyond that.

The soil surrounding your tree should be moist, but never saturated. Light green leaves can be a sign of over watering, while drooping leaves can be a sign of both over or under watering.

Fertilization: Fertilize in early spring with a granular or liquid acid fertilizer, and then every 6 weeks through mid-summer. 

Weed Control: Hand-pull weeds near the blueberry shrubs. You can damage the shallow root system with garden tools.

Pruning: Prune non fruit-bearing branches after harvest, leaving new branches to fruit the following season. Prune any remaining dead branches in late winter.

Pollination: This plant is self-pollinating, so you will get fruit from just one plant. However, you will yield a higher fruit production if you plant this blueberry bush with another variety.