NC State Extension Resources
Blueberries are a native North American fruit, and North Carolina is one of the largest producers of highbush blueberries. Although large-scale commercial production is mostly limited to southeastern North Carolina, blueberries can be grown anywhere in the state if the right blueberry species and proper soil modifications are used. Limiting factors include pH, water availability and cold-hardiness.
Blueberries require a lower pH than many other small fruit crops. Apply wettable sulfur (90% S) if pH is above 5.3 for rabbiteye blueberries or 5.0 for highbush blueberries. Use 1.0 pound (2.5 cups) per 100 square feet on sandy soils to lower pH by 1 unit (for instance, from 6.0 to 5.0). Apply 2.0 pounds per 100 square feet for the same amount of pH lowering on heavier soils containing silt, clay or more than 2% organic matter. Try to achieve a pH of around 4.8; too much reduction can be detrimental to bush growth. Apply sulfur at least 3 to 4 months before planting, and take another soil test before planting. If pH is still above the acceptable range, additional sulfur can be applied.
If the soil contains less than 2% organic matter, the incorporation of peat moss or well-decayed pine sawdust or bark will improve plant survival and growth. Establish the rows on ridges to provide the required drainage. Apply 4 to 6 inches of the organic material over the row in a band 24 inches wide and incorporate thoroughly using a roto-tiller to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Preparing the beds in the fall will allow planting earlier in the season (late Feb. to late March depending on the location). If the organic material is incorporated in the fall, any sulfur required to lower the pH can be added at the same time. Avoid opening a furrow, adding the organic material and planting directly in the pure organic material. Water and nutrient management is likely to be difficult in the pure organic material and plants are more likely to become weak and die.
Organic material, such as bark, wood chips, sawdust or pine straw as a 3- to 4-inch mulch on the surface after planting results in more uniform soil moisture, reduces soil temperature and generally promotes better bush growth and survival. Pine bark, chips or sawdust have a pH of 3.5 to 4.5 and are more desirable than the same mulches from hardwood with an associated pH above 5.0. However, hardwood mulches on the surface have been satisfactory. Avoid sticky hardwood sawdust that will "seal" the bed and prevent water infiltration.
Weed barrier fabrics have been used successfully for blueberry production and can provide a critical weed control advantage during establishment, especially for organic growers where conventional herbicides cannot be used. Weed mat is applied after the beds are amended with fertilizer and mulch, then the bushes are planted through individual planting holes cut through the fabric. If drip irrigation is used it is generally placed under the barrier fabric prior to planting.
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Provisions for drainage must precede planting. Soil maps or observing the soil profile may be helpful in predicting internal drainage. However, digging a "dry well" is the most effective way to assess internal soil drainage. Dig hole(s) 6 to 8 inches deep and observe the water level following heavy rains. Water should not remain in the hole for more than 24 hrs; otherwise, select another site or plant on ridges high enough for the water level to reach 6 to 8 inches deep within 24 hours.
In most seasons and on most soils, irrigation is absolutely essential the year of planting. A system using micro-sprinklers is recommended and is more efficient than point-source drippers. Even 2 drippers per plant often do not wet enough of the soil surface. At least 50% of the area under the drip line should be wetted. The irrigation must be designed for the higher output of micro-sprinklers (about 10 gal per hr) compared with 1 or 2 gal per hr for drippers. Align the micro-sprinklers to avoid saturated soil around the crown of the bushes. The use of automatic timers on drip or microsprinkler irrigation systems can result in shallow root systems and root rotting if systems apply water daily. Apply irrigation no more than once every two days to reduce the chances of root-rot infection. If the grower has no choice but to establish the planting on a site prone to problems with frost during the early spring (during bloom), then overhead sprinkler irrigation should be installed to provide frost protection and supplemental moisture.
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Both highbush (Vaccinium corymbosum) and rabbiteye (V. virgatum, syn. V. ashei) types of blueberries can be grown in the Coastal Plain and Piedmont. However, only highbush will consistently survive the minimum winter temperatures below 10°F that regularly occur in the mountains -- for this reason, rabbiteye blueberries are not recommended for planting above 2,500 ft elevation in western NC. While less winter cold-hardy, rabbiteye blueberries are more drought and heat resistant and will tolerate a wider range of soil types than highbush, making them easier to establish and grow successfully in the Piedmont and on the drier soils of the Coastal Plain than. More recently, a group of varieties referred to as southern highbush have been released. These varieties are intermediate between highbush and rabbiteye in soil and climate adaptation. Because of their vigor and soil adaptability, rabbiteye blueberries are the best choice for most soils below 2,500 ft elevation in NC.
Highbush varieties begin ripening in mid-May in the southeastern Coastal Plain and in early July in the Mountains. Rabbiteye varieties begin in mid-June in the southeastern Coastal Plain. More than one rabbiteye variety should be planted to provide the cross-pollination required for maximum yields. Following are varieties in order of ripening from early to late that have been grown successfully and are recommended for homeowners and pick-your-own operations:
Coastal Plain (for low elevation, high %HM soils) - Highbush: 'Duke', 'Jersey'; Southern highbush: 'O'Neal', 'New Hanover', 'Legacy'
Coastal Plain, Piedmont and Foothills (drier upland soils) - Rabbiteye: 'Climax', 'Premier', 'Centurion', 'Columbus', 'Ira', 'Tifblue', 'Powderblue', 'Onslow'; Southern highbush: 'O'Neal', 'New Hanover', 'Legacy'
Mountains above 2,500 ft - Highbush: 'Duke', 'Sunrise', 'Echota', 'Blueray', 'Bluecrop', 'Toro', 'Berkeley', 'Jersey'
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Blueberries can often be grown successfully without insecticides and fungicides outside of the commercial production areas of southeastern North Carolina. Japanese beetles can occasionally cause damage to the fruit during ripening, but the foliage is quite resistant. Susceptible plants such as roses or grapes will usually be defoliated before injury is seen on blueberries. The low rates of fertilizer required make organic sources a viable alternative. Composted horse manure has proven to be a suitable source of nitrogen and rock phosphate provides adequate phosphorous. Weeds can be controlled with shallow cultivation or more desirably with mulch.
Blueberries are propagated vegetatively through the use of cuttings. Both hardwood (winter) and softwood (summer) cuttings can be rooted under mist without the use of rooting hormones. While this can be accomplished by the backyard hobbyist or by a local nursery, the best sources of uniform plants for establishing a new planting are nurseries that specialize in blueberry propagation. Some commercial sources will sell single plants, while others require minimum orders of 50 to 500 plants. A partial list of nurseries is included below.
Bottoms Nursery, 519 Pullians Road, Concord, GA 30206. (770) 884-5661
Finch Blueberry Nursery, 5714 Finch Blueberry Lane, Bailey, NC 27807. (252) 235-4664
Double A Vineyards (716) 672-8493
Nourse Farms, 41 River Road, Whately, MA 01093 (413) 665-2658
Fall Creek Nursery: https://www.fallcreeknursery.com/
PhyllaTech: https://phyllatech.com/
AgriStarts: https://www.agristarts.com/
Degrandchamp Farms Nursery: https://degrandchamps.com/nursery/
Cornelius Farms: https://www.corneliusfarms.com/
Island Grove Nursery: https://www.islandgrovenursery.com/
Oregon Blueberry: https://www.oblueberry.com/
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Recommendations for the use of agricultural chemicals are included in this publication as a convenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services in this publication does not imply endorsement by NC State University or N.C. A&T State University nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned. Individuals who use agricultural chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and conforms to the product label. Be sure to obtain current information about usage regulations and examine a current product label before applying any chemical. For assistance, contact your local N.C. Cooperative Extension county center.