The fragile branches need care when pruning. Just be aware that growing blueberry plants in pots (or anywhere else) requires some patience. Plant in full sun, though they can handle some afternoon shade. Blueberries require only light applications of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash in the first three or four years. Blueberries like a balanced fertiliser, so look for a fertiliser that has an even NPK rating*. How to Propagate Blueberries From Cuttings. Frost tolerant. Check the pH of the soil in spring and add sulphur chips if it needs lowering. If planting in pots and containers fill with Tui Strawberry Mix. Not only do they look good in the garden, the health benefits of blueberries are well documented. Blueberries can be grown easily in the NZ climate provided the following is understood. Young plants are sensitive to drought stress. While blueberries are tolerant of shade, better crops (and autumn colour) are obtained in the sun. Water to keep moist throughout the growing season. Fruit plants need as much sunlight as possible, especially when the berries begin to develop. Plant in full sun, though they can handle some afternoon shade. 1. Aphids may have a go at them as well as leaf roller caterpillars. Blueberries are easy to grow in well prepared sites, require little care. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot. Stretch two lengths of garden wire and run between each post. Planting density depends on the variety of blueberry. Blueberry Country is New Zealand's Largest Blueberry Orchard Now in 3 Locations, Ngatea, Ohaupo and Otautau. Growing Blueberries in Whanganui. Blueberries likes soil with a pH of between 4-4.5, so it's best to make a dedicated blueberry bed. Attending to their ideal location and conditions at planting will guarantee you delicious fruit for many years. A good rule of thumb is a 3L pot bought from Palmers should be transferred in to a pot size 50cm diameter or more with a good quality mix such as Tui Pot Power. Growing in the ground – Can be grown as individual shrubs or as a short, informal hedge. Irrigation is vital for the full development of berries which swell rapidly in the last two weeks of ripening. Low Bush varieties are common in the wilds of North America, and the plants are the size of a Bic pen. Blueberries vary in height between 1-3 metres and should be planted around one metre apart. Blueberries do well in raised beds that are 3 to 4 feet (0.9 to 1.2 m) wide and 8 … Strawberries are a lovely plant to pair with blueberries in the woodland garden. They require similar growing conditions but ‘Southern Highbush’ and ‘Rabbit Eye’ varieties are more suitable for the warmer areas of NZ. Around 700 hectares of blueberry crops are now grown in New Zealand, with about 25 commercial growers and another 50 part-time growers [1] producing around 3900 tonnes of blueberries in 2016. Keep the compost or soil moist, but not soaking wet. Well drained peat soils are ideal, but mineral soils such as sandy or silt loams are also suitable, provided peat moss is added during planting and on a regular basis afterwards. Blueberries are cold hardy and require chilling hours to set fruit and leaves, and can be grown in all regions of New Zealand. These varieties are best grown in warmer areas of New Zealand as they flower in early spring (so there is a risk of frost damage in cooler areas), only require low winter chilling, and need warm late summer/early autumn weather to fully ripen in the berries. Blueberry Smoothie Blueberry Smoothies are a great refresher while relaxing in the sun, or the shade, or at home, really any excuse … Read More Blueberries NZ Inc; www.plantandfood.co.nz Fruit plants need as much sunlight as possible, especially when the berries begin to develop. These varieties are best grown in warmer areas of New Zealand as they flower in early spring (so there is a risk of frost damage in cooler areas), only require low winter chilling, and need warm late summer/early autumn weather to fully ripen in the berries. Cross pollination improves yield. Yes! Planting blueberries in pots and containers: Don’t let your blueberries produce too many fruit when young. The fruit can be eaten fresh or mixed with other fruits to make a delicious fruit salad, cooked desserts, muffins, cakes, ice-cream, sauce, yogurt, preserves and chutney. Miscellaneous Soil. In New Zealand we grow High Bush and Rabbiteye. Ensure the soil stays at pH of 5.5 or lower, to avoid problems. We’re passionate about growing on Māori-owned land and creating work and career opportunities in horticulture for our people. Blueberries are relatively trouble free if given the right growing conditions. Our fruit is grown in a wonderful environment, enjoying long hot summers, mild sunny winters and … The plants can thrive and bear fruit in containers in any area that receives full sun. A lack of water results in undersized, dark berries and a poor crop. For winter dormant berries like gooseberries and currants, take 20cm long cuttings and insert into potting mix or soil at least half way, and leave them alone for about 3 months. It is important that the soil is prepared prior to planting. Blueberry plants grow naturally as a bushy shrub, up to 1.5m tall or can be pruned to keep at 1m tall. [2] Worldwide production in 2014 was over 525,000 tonnes and valued at more than US$1 billion, with the United States and Canada being the main producers. After 4-5 years the oldest branches may need cutting back to the crown to encourage vigorous new growth. They thrive in New Zealand’s varying climatic conditions. Growing berries from cuttings Some berries are quick and easy to propagate from cuttings, unfortunately blueberries aren’t one of them. Packed with antioxidants and tasty as well, many gardeners are wondering about growing blueberry bushes in their own garden. Consider your climate when choosing a variety as blueberries love a certain amount of chilling time. Blueberries are easy to grow in well prepared sites, require little care. Use strawberries between the blueberry bushes, along pathways, or to edge the berry garden. Growing blueberries in containers is so easy and effective that you might want to try it even if you have enough in-ground garden space for this antioxidant-rich fruit. For a hedge space plants 0.6 to 1m apart. Growing blueberries from seeds is possible, but it tends to be restricted to lowbush blueberry plants. Heavy clay soils which crack in summer and become waterlogged in winter are generally not suitable for blueberries unless heavily amended with organic matter and sand and gypsum. We never share your email address with anybody and you can unsubscribe at any time. Tap water will raise the pH level and blueberries like acidic conditions. Blueberries are mostly self-pollinating (meaning they contain both male and female parts, allowing them to reproduce without pollen from another plant) but if you plant two different varieties they tend to cross-pollinate resulting in a bigger crop of fruit. Blueberries are popular in home gardens because they can grow in a small space as well as in pots. Pruning to shape may be done at any time but if heavy pruning it is best done in winter dormancy. My 84-year-old neighbour Kate used to entreat me to see her hydrangeas, large seedling avocado trees, and finally her prize gooseberries.