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Blueberry Trial

Blueberry Trial Garden

Planting Site

20 ft. x 20 ft. slightly raised bed

3 rows spaced 7 feet apart

4 plants per row spaced 5 feet apart

Soil has been amended with compost


Plant Varieties

Rabbiteye: Brightwell (3), Climax (1), Delight (1), Powder Blue (2), Premier (2),

Tifblue (1), and Woodard (1)

Southern Highbush: Legacy (1)

Northern Highbush: None


Fertilization

Needs acidic soil: a pH of 5.0-5.4 is maintained using a sulfur based fertilizer (ammonium sulfate used here)

Beginning in early March a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10, 13-13-13 etc.) is added to each plant in 3 applications at six week intervals

Semi-annual soil tests determine further/additional fertilization needs


Mulching

4-6 inches of mulch used for weed control and moisture retention

Pine needles and wood chips used in this garden


Irrigation

Irrigation is essential during dry season as the blueberry bush root system is restricted and shallow

A drip irrigation system is used in this garden


Trellising

None required


Pruning

Annual pruning needed for good berry production and vigorous plant growth

Late winter is best time for major pruning: in-season pruning done as needed

Remove any canes that are 5-6 years old

Prune to create an upright growing bush; cut crossing branches and those that are growing downward/horizontal

Open up the middle of the bush for good air circulation

Remove “twiggy” branches


Pests/Diseases

Birds are the primary pest; an overhead netting system is used during the berry growing season (June-July) to control them

No diseases have been prevalent at this time in this area


Production Yields

2022: 26 1/2 pints (5 mature and 1 emerging plants)

2023: 35 1/2 pints (6 mature and 1 emerging plants)


Notes/Observations

Rabbiteye varieties have shown to be the most successful plants in this garden. Southern Highbush varieties have come out of hibernation too soon and have been damaged by late frosts. Northern Highbush varieties have had difficulty surviving the hot and dry conditions of summer.

Blueberries should not be harvested during the 1st, 2nd, and even 3rd growing seasons of the plant’s life. This is to insure that the plant’s energy goes into establishing a healthy and vigorous bush. Remove berry blossoms during this time.



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