Growing Blueberries

Grow Your Own

Growing Blueberries

Winter Chill - There are 2 distinct varieties of blueberries: Northern Highbush and Southern Highbush. NH berries tend to be deciduous and require colder winter climates. Bluecrop is the most widely planted in both home gardens and on farms. SH tend to be semievergreen and require fewer chill hours. SH berries are the predominant choice in mild San Francisco, though many NH varieties will still set fruit.

Pollination - While most blueberries are self-fruitful, they will produce larger fruit and more abundantly if 2 cultivars in the same flowering period are planted together. NH should be planted with NH and SH with SH. The same effect is not seen in SH:NH pairings.

Acidity - Blueberries require an acid soil and a regular feeding plan. Amend soil or use alone in containers, EB Stone Azalea/Camellia/Rhododendron Mix. Supplement with F.S.T. (an acidifying agent containing the nutrients iron, sulfur, manganese, and zinc) in early spring and again in late summer. Feed plants monthly once they have leafed out with Maxsea Acid formula or EB Stone Azalea Food.

Water - Regular/average irrigation is needed, especially when the plants are setting berries. Use mulch to keep the shallow roots cool, prevent weed competition, and reduce soil evaporation.

Exposure - Blueberries want full to part sun.

Spacing - In the ground, space plants 3’ apart if creating a hedge, allow 4’ to 5’ for freestanding shrubs. Planters should be a minimum of 18” for individual plants. A wine barrel will accommodate 2 or 3 plants comfortably.

We recommend these varieties for Bay Area gardens:

Early flowering SH varieties will ripen fruit in May/June
Misty, Oneal, Sharpblue

Mid flowering SH varieties will ripen fruit in June
Jubilee, Southmoon, Sunshine Blue, Emerald

Early flowering NH varieties ripen fruit in June/July
Bluejay, Earliblue, Patriot, Reka

Mid flowering NH varieties ripen fruit in July
Bluecrop, Bluejay, Blueray, Hardyblue, Draper, Chandler

Late flowering NH varieties ripen fruit in July/August
Chandler, Elliott, Jersey, Legacy

The pleasure of eating fruits, herbs and vegetables harvested yourself is so sublime that sometimes mere words cannot do this experience justice. These are the fruits of your gardening labors and you should plan for them. Go ahead and dream of backyard strawberries, tomatoes in containers or herbs sprinkled onto the evening salad because now is the perfect time to get ready for edible gardening.

Need help growing your own? Stop by any Sloat Garden Center location with questions. We can help!

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