highbush blueberry

Carolina highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum 'Blue Moon') is best suited for a well-drained, acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5. Once established, they require regular watering to thrive. During the growing season (early spring to late fall), water 1 to 2 inches of water per week, or about 1/4 to 1/2 inch per day. During extended periods of dry, hot weather, water more frequently to keep the soil evenly moist. Allow the top 1 to 2 inches of soil to dry out slightly before watering again. In colder months, reduce watering to allow the soil to dry out more between waterings. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so it is important to ensure the soil is not overly saturated.

Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Blue Moon’) prefers full sun for best yields and production of fruit. This plant will do best in at least 6-7 hours of direct sunlight each day. In areas that get too much direct sunlight in summer, it may be beneficial to provide a shade structure to provide partial shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent scorching of fruit and leaves. In colder climates and during the dormant months, it is still important to provide some sunlight for this plant to ensure healthy growth in the spring.

Prune highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum 'Blue Moon') immediately after harvest in the late summer or fall. Cut off all dead, weak, and diseased branches, and remove any competing stems. To maximize quality and quantity of fruit, selectively prune the bush: keep the main stems long and prune new lateral shoots to about 4 inches long. Pruning the bush to remove all but 3-5 main stems each year allows for optimal sun and air movement which can reduce the levels of disease and pests. Prune little to no branches in the winter as blueberry bushes are fairly cold-hardy and the wood requires some cold to produce next season's fruit. Also, refrain from pruning in the spring when buds are just beginning to swell.