Garden District Sugar Snap® Highbush Blueberry Bush

1. Planting: Plant or repot within 4 weeks of arrival. Choose a sunny location with well-drained, acidic soil. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and place the bush in the center, filling in with soil and firmly patting down. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the roots.

2. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, especially during the first year as the plant establishes. Aim to provide about 1-2 inches of water weekly, adjusting for rainfall. Mulching around the base can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

3. Pruning: Prune your blueberry bush in late winter or early spring while it is still dormant. Remove any dead or damaged branches and shape the bush to encourage an open center. This will help improve air circulation and fruit production as the plant matures. Up to one-third of the tallest stems may also be pruned right after harvest to promote vigorous new growth.

4. Fertilizing: Fertilize in early spring with a product formulated for acid-loving plants, such as Espoma Holly-tone®, following package instructions for application rates. Avoid fertilizing after late summer to prevent tender new growth that could be damaged by winter frost.