highbush blueberry

Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum 'Elizabeth') should be watered when the top inch of the soil is dry. The best way to determine when to water is to use your finger to feel the moisture in the soil. During hot, summer days, highbush blueberries should be watered deeply and thoroughly once per week. During rainy days, there is usually no need to water. In the winter, when the plants have gone dormant, water them lightly and only once every 2 to 3 weeks.

Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum 'Elizabeth') needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. In all seasons of the year, it can thrive and bear fruit with full sun in the summer and partial shade in the winter. If your area has long summer days and less light intensity in the winter months, highbush blueberry plants will perform better with protection from harsh, direct afternoon sun.

Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum 'Elizabeth') should be pruned in late winter or early spring, just before the new growth begins. Pruning should reduce the overall size of the shrub to ensure plenty of air and sunlight can reach the new stems. Remove no more than 1/3 of the existing branches, and try to limit larger pruning to the older, woody stems. This will encourage new stems to fill in and produce bigger and sweeter fruit. Routinely remove any broken or dead stems and branches as needed throughout the growing season.