highbush blueberry

Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum 'Northland') plants require regular watering, usually about 1 inch of water per week either from rainfall or manual watering. Watering should be done early in the morning so the plant has time to absorb the water before it evaporates in the Sun. It is best to water at the base of the plant to reduce the chance of disease. During the summer months, the plants may need to be watered more frequently, especially during dry spells. As the plants are maturing and producing fruit in the fall, they may require more water since the larger berries contain more water that need to be replaced.

Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum 'Northland') is a deciduous shrub that grows best in full sun to part shade, but in order to maintain a healthy growth habit and good quality fruit production, it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. While it will grow in full shade, fruit production will be greatly diminished. This plant will also do better if it does not get too much afternoon sun, as too much heat can cause the plant to wilt and fruit crops to suffer.

The timing and amount of pruning for Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum 'Northland') will depend on the desired output, as well as the season. For the first year or 2 of growth, no pruning is necessary at all. After those initial years, Highbush Blueberry should be pruned in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. During this time, any dead or damaged branches should be removed. For bush-like growth and good berry production, prune off any suckers and second-year shoots, and thin out any competing branches. Additionally, ensure that 3-5 tallest, most vigorous branches are retained, as they will result in the best harvest. All other branches should be shortened to 12-24 inches, with 6-8 buds remaining on each branch. This will encourage more branching and denser foliage. The amount of pruning can vary depending on the desired output. To encourage a higher berry production, more growth should be encouraged by pruning more lightly. In order to create a bushier appearance with fewer berries, a more rigorous pruning should be carried out. Overall, Highbush Blueberry requires a regular pruning schedule to ensure optimal berry production.