Vaccinium corymbosum

Ericaceae

Blueberry

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Uses

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Culture

Blueberries need a moist cool site (not waterlogged) and an acidic soil (pH 4.5 ideal) with a high organic content. They are very susceptible to hot summers, late frosts, waterlogged soils and salt. Some shade is tolerated, but full sun is better. Being shallow rooted, they grow best on well drained, heavily mulched soils. Blueberries are heavy feeders and benefit from applications of well rotted manure, and a general fertiliser high in nitrogen. Always grow two different varieties together as cross pollination is necessary for good crops.

Propagation

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Cultivars

Three main types
1. "Highbush blueberry" (Vaccinium corymbosum) - a large bushy shrub to 2m tall with larger dark coloured fruit.

2. "Lowbush blueberry" (Vaccinium angustifolium) - small shrubs to 0.5m tall with smaller lighter coloured berries.

3. "Rabbit eye blueberry" (Vaccinium ashei) - large shrubs to 2m tall; more hardy than other types; with dark, but small berries.

It is important to choose the best variety for your situation. Ripening time, growth vigour, size of crop and taste can vary greatly from one variety to the next.

Plant Health

Birds and occasionally fungal disease (eg. botrytis) can attack the fruits otherwise blueberries are relatively pest and disease free. Bird netting is frequently erected on a framework above the plants for protection.

More info

No information available at this time...

Vaccinium corymbosum

Ericaceae

Blueberry

Uses

Culture

Propagation

Cultivars

Plant Health

More info

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