highbush blueberry

Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum 'Atlantic') needs to be watered deeply and regularly during the growing season, from spring until early autumn. Water the plants at the base, avoiding wetting the leaves and foliage, until the top 6 to 12 inches of soil are moist. Allow the soil to almost dry out between watering, as the plants do not like to sit in overly wet soil. During periods of drought, give the plants a deep soak. In winter, water only when the climate is dry and the soil is dry too.

Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum 'Atlantic') prefers 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. This plant should be planted in an area of the garden that receives full sun in the morning, with some shade in the afternoon as it will help protect the berries from sunburn. During the warmer months, this plant benefits from some afternoon shade to keep its leaves from burning in the intense afternoon sun. In cooler climates, some afternoon sun is helpful in ripening the berries.

Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum 'Atlantic') should be pruned each year starting when the plant is 3-4 years old. Pruning should occur in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Pruning should focus on removing older, unproductive canes to encourage the emergence of more productive new canes. To ensure healthy plant growth, remove old, dead, diseased, and damaged canes. Additionally, prune away any suckers that may be crowding the base of the plant. When pruning, limit pruning to 1-third of the canes. This will help promote continued growth and production of fruit.