highbush blueberry

Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum 'Patriot') should be watered deeply but infrequently. During the summer months, it should be watered 1-2 times per week, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. During spring when growth is most active, water every 5 to 7 days (or more if necessary). During the fall, water only every 2 weeks or less. Make sure to water in the early morning so the leaves have time to dry during the day.Avoid over-watering; always allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out before irrigating again.

Highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum 'Patriot') require full sun or part shade in order to thrive. It should receive a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, and up to 8 hours in hotter climates. It's important to ensure the plant is not suffering from excessive exposure to direct sunlight (such as during the heat of the afternoon), as the fruits are prone to sunburn. When planted in partial shade, the plant will still need a few hours of direct sunlight each day in order to produce high-quality fruit.

Highbush Blueberry should be pruned annually in late winter or early spring, before growth begins. Prune by removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches and thinning out overcrowded stems. Also, trim off lateral low-growing shoots to control size and promote air circulation and fruit production. Aim to remove about a third of the current season's growth each year. Make sure to prune in an open center shape to encourage light and airflow. Taking care not to remove too many stems in any given season will help maintain the health of the bush.