Associated Press gardening writer Jessica Damiano has been growing dwarf blueberries for three years, and her plants outside New York City are now covered in green berries.
by
Jessica Damiano Associated Press
July 16, 2024 7:29am ET
• 3 min read
I've been growing dwarf blueberries for three years, and now my plants are covered in green berries. Deliciously sweet and rich in fiber, manganese, potassium, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants, these berries are native to North America and can be grown in most parts of the continent.
There are several categories of blueberries:
• Lowbush has a low growing, spreading habit and is said to produce the tastiest fruit.
• Highbush grows upright and up to 6 feet tall.
• Half-height types grow to 3-4 feet tall.
• Most rabbiteyes are hardy in zones 7 through 9, are more heat- and drought-tolerant than other plants, and reach heights of 8 to 15 feet.
• Dwarf varieties are any type bred to grow in small containers such as window boxes or hanging baskets.
It can take up to five years for a new plant to produce a good harvest, so I’ve been managing my expectations and giving it the best care I can.
That means letting the blueberries grow naturally without fertilizer the first year, then in the spring of the second year, give each plant one 4-ounce dose of ammonium sulfate. This not only nourishes the blueberries, but also helps lower the soil's pH, which is essential for blueberries.
Like cranberries and huckleberries, blueberries have the lowest pH requirements of any edible plant, growing only in soil with a pH between 4.0 and 5.2. Therefore, applying a fertilizer for acid-loving plants each year immediately after flowering is important to keep blueberries healthy and lush.
I also leave the plants to remain wild until they reach their fifth anniversary, after which I begin annual pruning in early spring to remove and thin out old growth, allowing better air circulation and allowing sunlight to reach the center of the plant.
Most varieties are self-pollinating, except Rabbiteye, which needs to be pollinated by other varieties (three or more is best) to produce fruit. Still, planting two or three varieties together will result in larger berries and a larger yield. That's why I planted my Sapphire and Midnight Cascade plants in the same large pot on my back deck.
Growing conditions
All blueberries can be grown in containers (for highbush plants, use wide pots that are at least 18 inches deep).
Blueberries should not be planted too close together, as they need full sun, protection from strong winds and good air circulation. They also need lots of water, with potted plants needing even more water than those planted in the garden.
Apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the plants each spring once the soil has warmed, and again in late fall if you live in an area that experiences frosts and freezes.
And if rabbits or deer have been visiting your garden, surrounding your plants with a temporary fence can help keep them out over the winter.
After picking (or bringing home any type of berries from the market), give them a quick soak in a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water, drain and store in the refrigerator. Spending a few minutes on this will significantly extend the life of your berries. Give it a try!
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Jessica Damiano writes a weekly gardening column for The Associated Press and publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter. Sign up here to receive gardening tips and advice every week.
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For more AP gardening stories, visit https://apnews.com/hub/gardening
