Blueberry germination and growing guide
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Growing Blueberries From Seed
Blueberries can be grown from seed very easily, but you do need to follow these
instructions very closely. Best results are obtained if started inside in late winter or early
spring, but they will germinate anytime of the year provided they are given ample light
and warmth.
Plant the seeds in a flat or tray of Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss, or the Premium
Concentrated Seed Starting Mix we offer, either will work fine, but we do not
recommend using anything else.
Make sure the tray is at 3 inches deep for root development. Sprinkle the seed onto the
top of the peat moss, and barely cover seeds with a very light ( 1/8-1/4 inch ) sprinkle of
peat moss. The tray should be placed in an area that is warm, with bright light and the
peat moss must be kept moist. If fungus develops on the surface of the moss, spray with
any type of garden fungicide to control it.
Blueberry seeds are slow germinators, the first seeds will probably start to germinate in
about a month, and finish germinating over the next 2-3 months. Leave the new seedlings
in the peat moss until they are about 3 inches tall, then transplant into individual pots,
being very careful not to damage the tiny root systems.
Feed young plants with a weak solution of Miracle Gro Acid Plant Food, feed monthly
and raise them in small pots until they are about 8 inches tall, then transplant into one
gallon pots. Transplant 1-2 year old seedlings outside in the fall.
Plants will start producing berries when about 2 years old, but will not mature and offer
maximum berry yield until they are about seven years old.
In order for blueberry plants to produce berries the soil pH needs to be between 4.5 - 5.2.
Soils not within the range of pH acceptability for blueberry plant growth must be
prepared before planting. If the pH is too high, the growth of the plant is slowed and the
foliage turns yellow. If the pH is too high for an extended period of time, the plants will
die. When several plants are to be grown together, more satisfactory results will be
obtained if an entire bed is prepared rather than digging holes for individual plants.
With the lowest soil pH requirement of all berries, blueberries grow in the same acidic
conditions that please other native shrubs such as rhododendron and azaleas.
If the pH of the soil is between 5.5 and 7.0 and the texture is sandy to sandy loam, the
following method can be used. Mix 4 to 6 inches of acid peat into the top 6 to 8 inches of
soil. In addition to acidifying the soil, the peat increases the soil organic matter content. In
addition to adding peat, you can also add pine needles or untreated pine wood shavings or
bark to the soil. The pine needles and wood shaving are very acidic and will assist in
lowering the pH level of the soil.
Soils with a pH greater than 7.0 will require higher rates of acidifying amendments and
are not recommended for blueberries. If your soil pH is higher than 7.0 consider planting
blueberries in a raised bed or a large container. Planting blueberry plants in a raised bed
allows you to instantly achieve the correct soil pH by the amendments that you add.
Blueberries require adequate water, especially the first year that they are planted, to
properly establish a good root system. During the growing season, blueberry plants
typically require 1" of water per week
Blueberry Seeds
FDR97 Highbush Blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum
A deciduous medium to large multi-stemmed sized shrub that can grow to 10 feet tall, but normally in the 7-9 feet range. The flowers bloom from May to June. The blooms are typically numerous and somewhat showy. The highbush blueberry fruits are small (1/3 inch), dark blue and covered with a white film. The berry ripens in mid to late summer. The fruits are sweet and delicious. For this tree the ideal soil is moist, high in organic matter and well-drained. It prefers an acidic soil (4.5 to 5.5). The blueberry tree likes to have mulch around the roots and full sun to partial shade. More sun translates into more into more blooms, more fruit and enhanced fall foliage color. Hardiness zones: 3-9
Pre-stratified seeds need to be planted immediately upon receipt.
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