highbush blueberry

Highbush Blueberry plants should be watered deeply and regularly. Water the plants every 7 to 10 days during the growing season in spring and summer, providing 1 gallon of water per bush for each year of growth. During the winter months, watering can be reduced to once per month. Make sure that the soil is moist but not soggy after a watering. Mulch the soil around the plants to help retain moisture.

Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium 'Blue Jay') prefers partial sun to full sun for optimal growth. For best results, this plant should receive 8-10 hours of direct sunlight each day for the majority of the year. If possible, this should include full morning light and partial afternoon shade for the hottest parts of the day. When in full sun, extra water and protection from high winds should be provided to this plant to keep it healthy.

Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium 'Blue Jay') should be pruned each year during late winter when the plant is dormant. Pruning should lightly reshape the bush, promote good air circulation, and remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. The objective should be to keep the bush at a height of 5 to 8 feet, and open up the center of the bush to allow light, air, and rain to penetrate. To do this, remove any branches that are growing toward the center of the bush, as well as any that are crossing or rubbing against other branches. Reduce the remaining branches by 1-third, cutting them back to lateral branches or to the ground. Prune any remaining long, thin, upright branches, cutting them back to desirable lateral branches or buds.