Description
Highbush Blueberry Characteristics
Highbush Blueberry are medium to large shrubs that are used for their fruit production. They prefer medium to wet moisture soils that should never dry out. The root system is shallow so a layer of mulch should help to keep consistent soil moisture. Blueberries are self fertile and do not need to be pollinated for production, but the best crops often come with cross pollination. Plant more than one variety of blueberry that flower at the same time for the largest and most plentiful berries.
Highbush Blueberry rarely has insect or disease issues that threaten the lives of these plants. However, birds and wildlife may eat unripe berries quickly. It is recommended to cover the ripening berries with a screen or netting. Fruit eating insects may snack on the berries. Chlorosis, or yellowing of the leaves in high pH soils, can be fatal. If this occurs, treat the soil with acidic substitutes immediately.