highbush blueberry

Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum 'Chandler') should be watered regularly once to twice a week, depending on the soil's moisture levels. Be sure to provide enough water to keep the soil around the plant moist but not waterlogged. Depending on the temperature, the plants may require watering 2 to 3 times a week during hot, dry summer days. During winter, the plants will require less frequent waterings. It's important to not let the soil around the plant dry out completely before watering. In general, aim to provide 1 inch of water per week for Highbush Blueberry plants.

Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum 'Chandler') plants need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. For optimal health and fruit production, 8-10 hours of direct sunlight daily is optimal. The hours of sunlight should be evenly distributed throughout the day. Plants should be placed in a sunny area that is not completely exposed to heat or strong wind. They should receive morning sunlight until noon and then shade or indirect sunlight in the late afternoon hours as the temperature increases. Too much direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day can damage the plant or prevent it from flowering.

Highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum 'Chandler') should be pruned once annually in late winter or early spring when their branches are still bare and before new growth begins. Signs of pruning aging bushes are: dead or discolored wood, thickened canes, or excessive shoot growth. Remove dead and discolored wood and thin out thick canes, cutting them to within 3-5 buds. Remove up to 30% of any excessively tall or broad-spreading canes. This will keep the plant healthy and keep production yield high. Rejuvenation pruning is also important for older, overgrown bushes. This should be done after harvest when the new canes have developed. Remove all 13 to 15 year old canes at ground level in order to promote growth of new fruiting canes in their place. Be sure to water and fertilize after pruning.