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Why Blueberries?!
Supplying both a vibrant ornamental and delicious healthy fruit year round, blueberry plants can be a great addition to anybody’s garden! Belonging to the Ericaceae flowering family, this native North American indigo colored perennial is also related to the popular cranberry due their Vaccinium genus.
In the United States, the blueberry is right behind strawberries,when it comes to the popularity of berry plants and that really isn’t a big surprise considering it’s many great characteristics.
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Developing research on the benefits of the consumption of this kind fruit reports possible effects ranging from anti-aging, memory aid, improved glucose tolerance, stronger bones, all the way to protecting the body from cell damage.
The blueberry also possesses one of the highest antioxidant profiles amongst ALL fruits! Though studies are still being done on this plant, blueberries are in fact packed with Vitamin C, K, and manganese which are essential to any healthy diet. Being a beautiful ornamental AND providing marvelous health benefits, what more could you ask for out of a plant?!
Click here to buy blueberry plants for sale that have been reviewed!
The four types of blueberry plants to know of are highbush blueberry plants, lowbush blueberry plants, half-high blueberry plants, and rabbiteye blueberry plants.
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Highbush blue berry plants are the most popular amongst the different varieties of blueberries. They are able to reach up to 12 feet high when left untended and are heat tolerant.
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Lowbush plants(also called wild blueberry plants) on the other hand can only grow up to about a relatively small height of 1 ½ feet and are very cold hardy.
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Half-high plants are called so due to having cross characteristics of the highbush and lowbush varieties and can grow up to 4 feet tall.
Though not as popular as highbush blueberries, rabbiteye plants can reach much higher heights being able to grow up to even 20 feet(jeez!). Now that you’re familiar with some benefits and varieties, growing blueberries and the steps required may be on your mind!
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Important: Although different varieties of blueberries will have differences in required as hardiness zones, the best blueberry plants do well in similar conditions such as sun for at least 3/4ths of the day, acidic soil with pH 4.5 to 5.0, and being planted in a well-drained spot. We HIGHLY recommended planting your blueberry plants with other varieties as cross-pollination will allow for a higher yield AND bigger berries(which is great!). Please also keep in mind constant irrigation and moisture is required with these plants as they are growing when you pick your planting area.
Simple Planting Steps
Step 1. After you are sure the varieties of blueberries you have selected to grow are compatible with your hardy zone, select a well-drained and sunny spot as mentioned above. Click here for a free tool provided by the USDA to find your hardiness zone!
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Step 2. Decide the spacing and layout you want you blueberries to be placed keeping in mind a space of at least 2 feet between each plant is required.
Step 3. Plant with organic matter at least 3-4 inches above existing soil level and mound soil up to the crown to promote good water drainage OR if you’d prefer using a hole make sure the hole is at least 2-3 times the size of the root ball/pot being sure to add in organic matter as well.
Step 4. Firm the soil around the plant(s) well with your hands.
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Step 5. Add about a thick 2 inch layer of mulch.
Step 6. Soak well with water. Remember blueberry plants require moist conditions especially during the first weeks of growing. We recommend watering daily in the first week.
Blueberry Plants Care And Consumption!
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About a month after being planted, use potassium rich plant fertilizer along with mulch occasionally to retain moisture and good root health.
NEVER USE PRODUCTS WITH CALCIUM ON YOUR BLUEBERRY PLANTS AND AVOID USING MANURE AS THIS COULD SEVERE DAMAGE
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As far as pruning is concerned, it is recommended to wait 3-4 years after the plants have fruited.Remove about a third of the older darker wood within the branches to allow more yield of buds and fruits. Do this on an annual basis to avoid over-fruiting which is a common mistake most blueberry growers make.
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It is also recommended to use some garden netting to protect the berries as they are swelling in order to protect from the blueberry plant’s most common predator: Birds!
It may also cheer you to know that if you do decide to grow your own blueberries, growing your own organic blueberry plants provide a much higher amount of antioxidants than regularly grown blueberries that are sold in supermarkets(and are tastier as well!).
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You can enjoy this super fruit in several healthy and delicious ways such as blending them in a shake with other delicious antioxidant fruits, adding them on top of your favorite yogurts, baking them with desserts, adding into salads, and any other ways you can come up with. The possibilities are endless!
We wish you the best of luck and joy growing your own blueberry plants! Feel free to leave a comment below telling us about your experiences or ask us any remaining questions you may have.