highbush blueberry

Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum 'Nelson') plants should be watered regularly during the growing season. Water deeply and thoroughly twice per week, for a total of 4-5 gallons per plant. Be sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy. During the summer, it is important to water the plants during drought periods to ensure optimal growth. In late fall and winter, reduce the amount of water given to the plants to 1 gallon per week.

Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum 'Nelson') prefers full sunlight for at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. During those hours, the blueberry plant should receive plenty of direct light. If grown in an area where there is less than 6 hours of sunlight each day, there should be supplemental lighting added to supplement the available sunlight. It is also important to ensure that the plant is not getting too much direct light, as this can cause sunburn and damage to the plant and the fruit.

Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum 'Nelson') should be pruned annually, just after harvest during the summer months. Pruning should begin when the plants are 2 years old in order to build a strong framework and encourage long-term production. Dead, diseased and overcrowded branches should be removed, as well as those that are too long or competing for light. Approximately 1/4 to 1/3 of the bush should be pruned each year. To shape and size the bush, thin out vertical branches and reduce the length of lateral shoots. Prune any new growth back to 2 buds in order to maintain the desired shape.