How to Prune a Blueberry Bush. If repotting and trimming the roots, prune the bush back by about 50-60%. The 13 Best Gardening Tools for Weeding, Planting, and More, Pruning Highbush and Rabbiteye Blueberries, Make These New Blueberry Varieties Your Go-To for Hanging Baskets, How to Grow Delicious Berries in Containers, How to Prune Roses of Every Type to Maximize Blooming and Color, Here's When to Prune Trees, Shrubs, and Flowers for Healthier Plants, How to Make Hydrangea Flowers Multiply for a More Colorful Garden, How to Plant and Grow Lily-of-the-Valley Shrub, 10 Fast-Growing Fruits That Are Easy to Care for Too, How to Prune Hydrangeas for a Burst of Growth and Color. Tom Hilton, gardening expert at National Greenhouse (opens in new tab), says, 'in order to grow a successful blueberry bush to keep you picking off delicious fruits for healthy treats, its all in the pruning to keep it alive and thriving.'. During the fourth year, the dormant plants should be pruned in mid-March. Your goal should be to have a multi-trunked bush with strong canes of all different ages emerging from the ground, so that as each older cane is removed, a younger cane is already there to replace it. One of the first things to do is clean up the crown. Walk around the bush, noting any canes rubbing against each other, where more light might need to come into the center of the bush, scraggly new growth and the general size and shape of the plant. Blueberry-growing presents a challenge because the plants require soils that are acid, well-drained, loose and high in organic matter. Newer varieties are listed in bold, and are highly recommended to provide homeowners some of the latest improvements offered in blueberry varieties. Prune blueberry plants about one-third of the distance to the ground, and remove branches that impede airflow. Pruning any fruit-bearing plant seems to make most novice gardeners break out in a cold sweat. At this time, remove dead and weak branches and thin, terminal wood with small buds. Some examples of branches that should be pruned from the blueberry shrub include: Blueberries are densely growing shrubs with many small branches. If your blueberry bush's leaves turn a reddish yellow color, especially near the edges of the leaves, this is most likely a magnesium deficiency. Pruning Blueberries: Step-by-step Instructions for More Fruit Blueberry Pruning Video | Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium Apply ounce of a 10-10-10 fertilizer in a band around the plant 6 to 12 inches from the crown. Make sure you plant them in an acidic soil of anywhere between 4.5 pH and 4.8 pH, as this is what they will need to grow and meet their full potential. These crossover canes may touch several other branches and are considered less desirable to keep. This brief publication gives a few helpful hints to get started. If necessary, top with additional soil, leaving the top inch or so of the container empty. Blueberry expert, Troy Wojtaszek (opens in new tab) says, 'it sounds scary to be pruning so much out, but that's normal so don't be afraid. Not only that but they are meant to be cared for in a specific manner. Ask yourself these questions before you start pruning. Find out what Extension has for you! Essentially, you want to be out of the coldest part of the season before things start to warm up and grow again. Pruning starts at the ground, not at the top of the bush. Its name refers to its tall stature. Georgia Dawn: PP16756. Q: I have over one hundred rabbiteye blueberry plants, some almost 20 years old, and they need pruning. Keep 2-3 year-old plants healthy by removing broken, diseased, crossing, or spindly growth. Blueberries can be pruned at any time of the year, but it is best to start pruning in the spring when the weather is warm and the blueberry bushes are in full bloom. The best time to prune blueberry bushes is during its dormancy period in late winter or early spring before new buds pop out.'. The mystery and art of pruning a bush is revealed. Never heap fertilizer at the base of plants, instead spread the fertilizer evenly over a circle 18 in. If, however, pests attack them, see your county Extension agent for pest-control recommendations. Pruning . If youre dealing with older, much woodier and thicker growth, youll want a pair of loppers (the long-handled pruners with the curved blades at the end) or a small handsaw. Published on May 01, 1999Unpublished/Removed on Feb 24, 2009Published on Apr 20, 2009Published with Minor Revisions on Mar 20, 2012Published with Full Review on Mar 28, 2017. Before planting, take a soil test. Generally, success with highbush can be improved by following these additional suggestions: Status and Revision History Use "premium grade" fertilizer if possible; this type contains secondary and micronutrients that may be needed. Blueberry plants are also susceptible to either iron or magnesium deficiencies. I learned how to do things most little kids havent done in over a century. Also remove any stems that are very close to the ground because fruit that would form on them is more prone to diseases splashed up from the soil. You will see flower buds on the dormant branches, but dont worry about removing these. Tom Hilton states, 'make sure to remove any broken, weakened, damaged and very old canes to help with the renewal process. Berry pruning basics | OSU Extension Service After establishment, rabbiteye blueberries require little pruning until they reach about 4 to 6 ft in height. I cant go more than a few days without a trip deep into the Pennsylvania State Game Lands looking for mushrooms, edible plants, or the sound of the wind in the trees. When planting, make sure to plant your blueberry bushes at the same level they were planted in the container and water well after planting. Apply 1 oz of 12-4-8 or 10-10-10 per foot of bush height at the time of bud break in the spring and after harvest in the summer. prevent the plant from growing in a manner that will cause lower fruit yield or disease. Blueberry Pruning & Production Resources | NC State Extension Dig a planting hole at least twice as large as the blueberry plant root system. This could be any time after leaf drop to late winter. To apply, select a warmer day in the early spring, as the temperature helps bacteria decompose the sulfur. When the bushes are mature after several years, remove older central canes and prune inward pointing laterals back to the main cane. With a little effort, these "wonder berries" can be produced by home gardeners throughout Georgia. Establishment and Maintenance of Blueberries | Mississippi State This spacing may seem excessive, but blueberry bushes . If you are trying to help your blueberry bush be as productive as possible, you will need to do some fairly heavy pruning. To store them frozen, first freeze them on a cookie sheet as a single layer of individual berries. . Blueberries will reach full plant size and maximum fruit production sometime between six and 10 years old. We translate science of everyday living for farmers, families and communities to foster a healthy After studying English Literature at University, she worked as an Ecommerce Website Editor, Content Writer and Buying Intern at multiple independent businesses within the luxury retail and lifestyle sectors. Some 44,000 hectares (110,000 acres) are farmed, but only half this acreage is harvested each year due to variations in pruning practices. This allows the remaining canes better light and better air circulation, which leads to better fruiting. A sturdy pair of hand pruners such as these Corona pruners are perfect for pruning small shoots and thinner canes. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Pruning is a stress on the bush, so keep them watered and fertilized to make sure they recover and continue to grow at the right rate. Immediately water the pot thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate any air gaps around the plant's roots. A bowl left unattended on the counter, destined for jam or homemade blueberry syrup, will likely disappear before you can get the water bath canner ready. Lets jump in, shall we? Home Garden Blueberries | UGA Cooperative Extension I take an eclectic approach to homesteading, utilizing modern convenience where I want, and choosing the rustic ways of my childhood simply because they bring me joy. Last updated: January 8, 2023 | New strong canes will usually develop below the cut. You should not expect or encourage your plant to produce fruit in the first year. BA1 1UA. Here are pictures from a Michigan blueberry field that was renovated several years ago. Early season southern highbush will ripen 2 to 3 weeks before early rabbiteyes, and mid-season varieties will ripen 8 to 12 days before early rabbiteyes. This is a mistake! The goal is to have a blueberry bush with an equal mix of old and new canes to ensure a good harvest. But I promise, its not nearly as difficult as you would think, and after a couple of seasons, the annual pruning of the blueberry bushes will be old hat. At this stage of maturity, pruning blueberry plants annually when theyre dormant is the key to enjoying steady harvests from one year to the next. Leaving the thicker canes will also give you more berries in the long run. We have faculty and staff in every county across the state that are available to assist you. Again, newer varieties are listed in bold. Blueberries have a shallow, spreading root system and suckers can sprout up some distance from . As difficult as it may be to do, you should remove all flower buds on new plants (these are visible in late winter and can simply be rubbed off). Flower buds are readily visible during winter pruning, and it is tempting to leave too many. To start pruning blueberry bushes, you'll need a good pair of hand pruners and perhaps a small hand saw for larger limbs that need to be pruned down. Many southern highbush are self fertile, however, the planting of multiple varieties is still recommended for improved fruit set. A standard spacing for rabbiteye blueberries is 5 to 6 ft between plants in a row and 11 to 12 ft between rows. What remains is a narrower bush consisting of the most upright canes. Select a site with sun for at least one-half the day. Pruning Blueberry Plants in the Summer - LSU AgCenter Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium Box 7601 - North Carolina State University - Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-7601 Phone: 919-515-6963 in diameter with the plant in the center. Fruit-wood these are canes that are capable of bearing fruit. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen walks through how to prune blueberry shrubs in just a few easy steps! Are there many runners sprouting up from the ground? Pruning invigorates the plant, forcing essential new growth from the base of the plant. These are discouraged for use in the colder mountain regions of the state. Shoots new, scraggly growth that shows up quite often in the crown. Wet winter weather points to active mosquito season ahead, Begin the new year by starting plants from seed. Growing Blueberries in the Home Garden The bush may be allowed to produce a few berries in year two, however the goal is still to promote vegetative growth that will build the structure of the bush for years to come. Also, choosing varieties from the different ripening categories provides a broad harvest season. Horticulture, Extension Horticulturist - Fruit Crops, University of Georgia; (B) P. Harmon, University of Florida IFAS. Confused on how much sunlight your blueberry shrubs need to grow properly? While blueberries dont have thorns, old growth can be scratchy, and it can be uncomfortable reaching into the bush barehanded. When the branches reach over two inches in diameter or appear gray, use a clean garden shear or sharp knife to remove them. Pruning Blueberries | What's the Dirt - UGA Planting Blueberries in the Georgia Garden - UGA Urban Ag Cane these are what we call stems that are at least a year old. The diagrams below show growth of a single blueberry bush for the first three years, with before and after pruning comparisons each February. These multi-stemmed, deciduous shrubs grow to different heights depending on the type. Consider the crown of the plant to be the heart of its branching growth. For highbush (southern or northern) a spacing of 4 ft between plants in a row and 10 ft between rows is suggested. If your soil tests very high in phosphorus, use 12-4-8. This species is actually native to Georgia, and there are varieties than can be produced across the state from the coastal flatwoods to the mountain regions. Next, you will want to prune the tall, young canes by about 8 10. Once the plant reaches five to seven years, youll want to begin renewal pruning, with the goal of always thinning out the oldest canes and pruning to encourage the growth of new ones. Blueberry bushes can be large or small, but eventually, they all start to look a bit messy. After initial freezing, pack the berries dry in containers and place in the freezer. Its best to visualize the finished shape youre going for before you start making cuts. Thin out the remaining stems by removing those that are spindly, leaving the stronger, thicker stems to produce the berries. Remember, blueberries require an acid soil. Pruning an Older Blueberry Bush. Pruning should be done during the dormant season. Q: I have over one hundred rabbiteye blueberry plants, some almost 20 years old, and they need pruning. I learned how to preserve what we grew in our garden. Fruit trees can take time to grow, but there are some that produce fruit faster than others. Some blueberry plants will start spreading by underground runners. high and 3 to 4 ft wide. Growing Wisdom garden videos will help you with all your gardening needs. First remove the oldest, weakest canes or diseased canes entirely. Unpruned highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) will grow six to eight feet, rabbiteye varieties (Vaccinium ashei) may reach 15 feet, and lowbush types (Vaccinium angustifolium) top out at two feet tall. establish the overall health and shape of a new plant the first two years after planting a new blueberry bush are spent pruning it to force new growth both above and below the ground. These basic hand-pruning steps can be used with any blueberry bush. Remove crossing stems and any crossing or particularly spindly-looking branches. TyTy Nursery on How to Grow Atlanta's Iconic Blueberries Simply cut them at the base where they emerge from the ground. May, June Apply mulch for growing season. How To Make Nettle Leaf Powder & Why You Really Should, 7 Reasons Why Determinate Tomatoes Are Better Than Indeterminate Tomatoes. For information or the status on programs, contact your local Extension office by email or phone. The best time to prune a blueberry bush is before it buds, which is usually towards the end of winter into the beginning of spring. Sulfur can also be applied after planting to the soil surface but not mixed with the soil. If the leaves turn yellow with green veins, it is most likely an iron deficiency. Blueberries like our typical acidic soil and need a soil pH of 4.5 to 5.2. Prune newly set bushes as previously indicated in Figure 1. Obtain your plants in time for winter transplanting. Use 1.0 pound (2.5 cups) per 100 square feet on sandy soils to lower pH by 1 unit (for instance, from 6.0 to 5.0). Allow 4 feet between highbush blueberry plants and 6 feet . Prune these crossovers all the way back to their base connection with a larger stem. My gift of gab and sense of humor via the written word keeps me busy as a copywriter and freelance blogger. When vigorous new vertical sprouts come, this fall or next spring, pinch out the tips when they reach six feet tall. Blueberries are among the easiest, tastiest fruits you can grow in your backyard. Dig a hole a little deeper than the pot depth and three times as wide. The demonstrations were held at Howard's Farm a few miles west of Pittsboro on Hwy 64. Weekly email gardening tips, product reviews and discounts. The standard spacing for rabbiteyes is 5 - 6 feet between plants as they can get large. When growing blueberries in containers, you will prune them in much the same way, except when they need to be repotted. Prune back 2/3 of the top growth on bare root plants, and of the top growth on potted plants. Many people are reluctant to prune because it removes some of the flower buds and reduces berry production for the year, but if pruning is neglected berries get increasingly smaller and bush health declines. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Blueberries are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, calcium . You should never prune the plant while its actively growing or setting fruit. The Howards grow peaches, apples, blueberries, and vegetables and sell them at their on-farm stand, called Mema's Fruit Shack. Smaller one-handed pruners are used for finish work and for shaping young bushes. She enjoys nothing more than discovering new trends, brands and products, whether that be in fashion, interior design or lifestyle. 6 Best Fertilizers For Blueberries of 2023 - Average Person Gardening This means when youre pruning for the first couple of years, you will trim off the tips of the canes where fruit buds have developed. Any person that uses the translated site does so at that persons own risk. If the blueberry bush has become root-bound, you must trim the roots back before repotting it. Spacing recommendations for growing blueberries range from 12 inches between plants for lowbush blueberries to 12 feet between saskatoons. Once you have selected the weakest, least desirable branches of the blueberry shrub, you can then move on to the next step. This helps the plants channel their energy into vegetative growth which, in the long run, means healthier, more productive plants. Timing is important when pruning fruiting and flowering shrubs, including blueberries. Have the answers to these questions in mind before you start pruning. Blueberry bushes must have acidic soil between 4.0 and 5.0 is ideal. Learn how to prune blueberry bushes in this blog for better crops and delicious blueberries. Rates of up to 0.7 lbs per 100 square feet can be used yearly, if needed. Remove or cut back some of the lateral stems if necessary to open up the center to allow good air circulation.

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