Ruqayyah Snyder
Blueberries are a relatively new addition to Australian fruit bowls, but they are quickly becoming a popular choice for home gardens. They are a tasty and nutritious treat, packed with antioxidants and vitamin C. While blueberries are relatively easy to grow, many people struggle with them due to their specific soil requirements. Blueberries require good drainage and a low pH of between 4.5 and 6, which can be achieved by using a good quality potting mix for acidic plants or adding elemental sulphur to the soil. They grow best in full sun with protection from the wind and require frequent watering, especially if they are potted. With the right care, a blueberry plant can produce up to 9 kg of fruit each season.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Climate | Cool |
| Lighting | Full sun with protection from wind |
| Water | Every day if potted, every two to three days if not |
| Soil type | Freely draining, acidic, preferably sandy with a pH of 4.5–6 |
| Harvest | Blueberries begin cropping after two years |
| Planting time | Between late autumn and spring |
| Height | Up to 2m |
| Space required | Small |
| Soil requirements | Humus-rich, well-drained, low pH, acidic |
| Fertiliser | Additional compost and manure (not chook manure) |
| Chill hours | 750+ |
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Soil type and pH
Blueberries require a low pH, humus-rich, freely draining soil, preferably sandy, with a pH of between 4 and 6. The ideal pH level for blueberries is between 4.5 and 5.5, which is very acidic. Blueberries are fussy about their soil pH, and some varieties are more demanding than others. For example, the Blue Rose variety enjoys a pH of around 4.5-5, while Sunshine Blue is more tolerant of higher pH levels and can thrive at around 6.
To achieve the right pH level, you can use a good quality potting mix for acidic plants. Scotts Osmocote Roses, Azalea & Gardenia potting mix is one brand that provides a low pH formula. This mix is designed to have a pH of 4.8-5.8, which is ideal for blueberries.
Alternatively, you can add elemental sulphur to the soil to lower the pH. However, this method requires some arithmetic skills and patience, as it takes at least two months for the pH to be lowered. You can also use spent coffee grounds and pine needles to lower the pH, as they mimic the plant's natural environment.
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Planting time
Blueberries are best planted between late autumn and spring. They grow well in full sun with protection from the wind and require a lot of water, especially if they are potted.
Blueberries are shallow-rooted plants that grow well in pots. Choose a pot that is at least 30cm wide and 30cm tall. They can also be planted in the ground, but they require a specific type of soil. The soil should be freely draining, acidic, and preferably sandy, with a pH of between 4.5 and 6. To achieve this low pH, you can use a good quality potting mix for acidic plants, such as Scott's Osmocote Roses, Azalea & Gardenia potting mix. Alternatively, you can add elemental sulphur to the soil, but this will take at least two months to take effect.
If you are planting in the ground, it is important to prepare the soil before planting. Dig a hole about twice the size of the pot and mix in some compost to create a humus-rich soil. You can also add spent coffee grounds and pine needles to lower the pH.
Blueberries are sensitive to herbicides, so it is important to clear the area of perennial weeds before planting. Hand-weed for at least the first year, as hoeing or digging around the bases of the plants can damage their shallow roots.
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Watering
If you are growing blueberries in pots, daily watering is necessary during the warmer months. Potted plants have a higher risk of drying out, so consistent moisture is crucial. Ensure you use rainwater if possible, as blueberries are sensitive to the dissolved salts present in other water sources.
For garden plants, the watering frequency can be reduced to once every two to three days. This is because garden plants have more access to the surrounding soil and can draw water from a larger area. However, it is still important to ensure the soil remains moist to cater to the plant's shallow roots.
To retain moisture in the soil and protect the roots, mulching is highly beneficial. Mulching with pine needles is a natural way to maintain the ideal soil acidity for blueberries while also providing a protective layer that prevents moisture loss. Additionally, mulching helps suppress weeds and provides organic matter that benefits the soil and promotes the growth of microorganisms.
By adjusting the watering frequency according to the planting type and climate, and incorporating mulching into your gardening routine, you can effectively manage the moisture levels in the soil and create favourable conditions for your blueberries to thrive.
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Sunlight and shade
Blueberries require full sun with protection from wind. They need a minimum of eight hours of sun per day but can grow in partial shade. In very hot regions, they may benefit from protection from the full blast of the hot afternoon sun. Blueberry plants in a full sun spot in summer can turn their leaves crispy, so they should be shaded from the western afternoon sun. In winter, they go dormant and can be moved to a shady spot.
Blueberries require 750+ chill hours, and Melbourne commonly gets 650 chill hours (outer suburbs get more). A mild winter may result in poor fruit set. If in a warm spot, look for low-chill blueberries like Sunshine Blue.
Blueberries are sensitive to herbicides, so it's important to clear the area of perennial weeds before planting. Hand-weed for at least the first year after planting, as hoeing or digging around the bases of plants can damage their surface-feeding roots.
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Evergreen vs deciduous
Blueberries are members of the Ericaceae family, which includes azaleas. They are typically classified as either highbush or lowbush blueberries, depending on their height. Highbush blueberries can grow up to 13 feet, while lowbush blueberries grow to about 3 inches. Within the highbush category, there are two main types: northern highbush (deciduous) and southern highbush (evergreen).
Deciduous blueberry plants lose their leaves during the winter months, going into a dormant state. In the deciduous system, growers stop fertilizing between August and September to encourage dormancy and stimulate flower bud differentiation. The plants then require a certain number of chill hours, or hours with temperatures between 35°F and 42°F, to break dormancy, flower, and produce fruit.
On the other hand, evergreen blueberries retain their foliage year-round. The evergreen system involves managing the plants so that they do not go dormant and continue to produce fruit. Growers may stop fertilizing for a period of about six weeks beginning in September to stimulate floral bud initiation, but they generally do not stop fertilizing for as long as those using the deciduous system. The evergreen system is used in South Florida and some areas of Central Florida, while the deciduous system is more common in North and Central Florida.
In Melbourne, Australia, the deciduous northern highbush type has traditionally been planted, but with climate change, the evergreen southern highbush type is becoming more popular. When growing blueberries in Australia, it is important to note that they grow best in cooler climates and full sun (minimum eight hours a day) but can also grow in partial shade. They require acidic soil with a pH of between 4.5 and 6, and they grow well in pots or wine barrels due to their shallow roots.
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Frequently asked questions
Blueberries are best planted between late autumn and spring.
Blueberries require a pH of 4.5-5.5, which is very acidic. The soil should also be freely draining and preferably sandy.
If your blueberry plant is potted, it may need water every day in the warmer months. Garden plants are less demanding, requiring water every two to three days.
The easiest way to achieve a low pH is to use a good quality potting mix for acidic plants. A harder option is to add some elemental sulphur to the soil, but this can take at least two months to lower the pH.
