How to Plant Blueberries in Minnesota
- Soil Conditions. Blueberries need acidic soil with a pH level between 4 and 5. ...
- Site Conditions and Planting. In late April or early May, plant blueberries in a location with well-drained soil and that gets sunlight for at least three quarters of the day.
- Choosing Varieties. The University of Minnesota has developed seven blueberry cultivars that are suitable for growing in Minnesota.
- Fertilization and Watering Needs. Water frequently to keep the soil around the plant moist, but avoid overwatering so that the soil does not become saturated.
- Pests and Diseases. Blueberries are not especially vulnerable to insects or diseases, but planting them where there's good air circulation around their leaves will help to reduce the chance of ...
How long does it take to grow blueberries in Minnesota?
Blueberry plants grow slowly and reach full size in 8 to 10 years. Each winter, prune out old, weak and dead wood. Many blueberry varieties grown in the Upper Midwest were bred for this climate by the University of Minnesota, making them right at home in the Minnesota home garden.
How do you grow blueberries?
Soil requirements: Blueberries prefer a well-drained soil high in organic matter. They REQUIRE acidic soil. If you have neutral soil, amend it with peat moss before planting. You can do this in an entire bed, or by digging a hole larger than your plant and mixing in peat moss. 3. Planting: Blueberries are best planted in spring, about 3' apart.
How much sun do blueberries need to grow?
Blueberries need full sun. Blueberries require acidic soil. Plant two or more varieties for successful pollination. Plants won't have much fruit the first 2 to 3 years. Harvest is bigger after 5 years.
How do you raise the pH of blueberry soil?
Keep the plants mulched with a few inches of oak leaf or pine needle mulch to help maintain soil acidity. Soil pH is easiest to amend with sulfur a year before the blueberries are planted.
Do blueberries grow well in Minnesota?
Minnesota has two native blueberries: common lowbush blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium) and velvet-leaf blueberries (V. myrtilloides). Both grow primarily in the northeastern half of the state, but they can be found growing from the furthest northwestern counties all the way to the southeastern corner of the state.
Do you need 2 blueberry bushes to produce fruit?
Blueberries are partially self-fertile, so you will harvest more and larger berries by planting two or more varieties together. Planting more than one variety can also extend the harvest season.
How long does it take for a blueberry plant to bear fruit?
Highbush blueberry plants usually require six to eight years to reach full production and range from 5 to 8 feet high at maturity. Highbush blueberry plants usually require six to eight years to reach full production and range from 5 to 8 feet high at maturity.
When can you plant blueberry bushes in MN?
Plant young blueberry bushes in late April or early May. Dig the holes large enough to accommodate all the roots and deep enough so you can cover the uppermost roots with 3 to 4 inches of soil.
Where is the best place to plant a blueberry bush?
sunny locationSelect a sunny location with well-drained soil that is free of weeds and is well-worked. It's best to locate your blueberry plants in an area where irrigation is readily available as best results will be achieved by keeping the root zone moist throughout the growing season.
Are blueberry bushes easy to grow?
Growing blueberries can be challenging. Sometimes the leaves turn yellow in the middle of the growing season. Other challenges include stunted growth and poor quality fruit. Sometimes the flower buds wilt and the berries start to look like little gray pumpkins.
What month is best to plant blueberries?
Blueberries should be planted either in fall by mid-October or in early spring after severe freeze danger has passed. When you receive your plants, check them to make sure that they look healthy and the roots are moist. For best results, planting should be done within a day or two of arrival.
Do blueberries come back every year?
Do blueberry plants come back every year? Yes, they will come back every year as long as you planted a variety that is hardy in your growing zone. Blueberry bushes are perennials that can live for decades in the right environment.
What can you not plant near blueberries?
Here's what not to plant with blueberries:Nightshades – Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplants, Potatoes.Brassicas – Brussels Sprouts, Kale, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower.Melons – Cantaloupes, Honeydews, Watermelons.Greens – Lettuce, Collard Greens,Some Herbs – Oregano, Sage, Tarragon, Marjoram.Beans.Beets.Peas.More items...•
How do I grow blueberries in my backyard?
Select a sunny location with well-worked, well-drained soil that is free of weeds. Avoid planting near trees, which block out sunlight and suck up the moisture in the soil. It's best to grow blueberries in an area where water is readily available so you can keep their roots moist throughout the growing season.
How do I protect my blueberry bushes in the winter?
Protecting blueberries over winter by covering the plants and mulching around them can be beneficial. It is important when covering the plants to trap heat much like a small greenhouse. A frame of PVC covered and securely anchored can accomplish this purpose. Also, keep your plants moist.
How do you start a blueberry bush?
How to Grow a Blueberry Bush From One BerrySmash one blueberry.Plant that smashed blueberry (like you would a seed) in a small pot with soil.Lightly water your blueberry plant.Cut the bottom of a plastic bottle off, then use it to cover your plant to trap in humidity.In a few weeks, the seedling will sprout.
What blueberry plants grow in Minnesota?
The University of Minnesota has developed seven blueberry cultivars that are suitable for growing in Minnesota. They are "Northblue," "Northcountry," "Northsky," "St. Cloud," "Polaris," "Superior" and "Chippewa.". Another cultivar that can withstand Minnesota winters is the University of Michigan's "Northland.".
What blueberries can withstand Minnesota winters?
These varieties are half-high bushes, which are crosses between northern highbush blueberries ( Vaccinium corymbosum) and lowbush blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium), and they're hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 3 to 7. ...
How much acidic soil do blueberries need?
Blueberries need acidic soil with a pH level between 4 and 5. Acidic soil is rare in Minnesota, but amendments can bring soils with native pH levels between 5.5 and 7 to a level of acidity that will work for blueberries;
How to grow blueberries in raised beds?
Instead, plant blueberries in raised beds filled with a mixture of 2 parts acidic compost and 1 part loamy soil.
What soil pH level is needed for blueberries?
Soil Conditions. Blueberries need acidic soil with a pH level between 4 and 5. Acidic soil is rare in Minnesota, but amendments can bring soils with native pH levels between 5.5 and 7 to a level of acidity that will work for blueberries; add 4 to 6 inches of acid peat to the top 6 to 8 inches of sandy soil to increase its acidity.
Do blueberries have bugs?
Pests and Diseases. Blueberries are not especially vulnerable to insects or diseases, but planting them where there's good air circulation around their leaves will help to reduce the chance of infections. Animals are a bigger problem, however; birds will eat the berries, and rabbits may eat new growth during the winter.
How long do blueberries keep in the fridge?
Will keep in refrigerator up to two weeks. To pick, hold the cluster in your hand and gently roll your thumb over the berries; ripe berries will separate from the plant. Sort out twigs and leaves prior to refrigerating. Blueberries may be placed in deep containers during picking and storing.
How long do berries keep in the refrigerator?
Do not wash until ready to use or process. Will keep in refrigerator up to two weeks. To pick, hold the cluster in your hand and gently roll your thumb over the berries; ripe berries will separate from the plant. Freeze like a pro: Don't wash your berries until you use them. This will help prevent spoilage.
Friday, August 9, 2013
We just planted 3 new blueberry bushes in the garden! To celebrate, I thought I would write a little about how to grow blueberries in Minnesota.
Growing Blueberries in Minnesota
We just planted 3 new blueberry bushes in the garden! To celebrate, I thought I would write a little about how to grow blueberries in Minnesota.
How to grow blueberries in a raised garden?
1. Build a raised garden bed in full sunlight. Fruit plants need as much sunlight as possible, especially when the berries begin to develop. Build a raised garden bed to grow your blueberries in. Blueberries do well in raised beds that are 3 to 4 feet (0.9 to 1.2 m) wide and 8 to 12 inches (20.3 to 30.5 cm) high.
How to grow blueberries in a lowbush?
If your blueberries grow less than a foot annually (or less than 4 inches for lowbush plants), try using a natural fertilizer to boost the plant's productivity. If possible, use an organic fertilizer to avoid hurting the roots and effectively deliver nitrogen to the blueberries.
How tall do blueberries get?
Highbush is the most common type of blueberry and it yields large, dark berries on bushes six to eight feet tall.
What is the best pH for blueberries?
Most fruits do best in slightly acidic soil between a pH of 5.5 and 6.5. Blueberries prefer an even more acidic soil with a pH between 4.09 and 5.0. Your local agricultural extension office should have soil testing forms, bags and instructions available.
