Yard And Garden: Preventing Common Problems With Blueberries

Jul 01, 2016

By Richard Jauron

Extension Horticulturist

Blueberries are a popular fruit in Iowa, and growing them can make for a special treat. However, they do require some special care and watering to maximize their potential.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists can help figure out how to get the most of blueberries for a bountiful, sweet harvest. To have additional questions answered, contact the ISU Hortline at 515-294-3108 or hortline@iastate.edu.

Should I water my blueberries during prolonged periods of dry weather?

Blueberries have shallow, fibrous root systems. The majority of blueberry roots are located in the top 12 inches of soil. Plants quickly become stressed in hot, dry weather. To help retain moisture, apply 2 to 4 inches of mulch around blueberry plants. Sawdust, wood chips, pine needles and shredded leaves are excellent mulching materials. During prolonged dry periods, water plants weekly. Watering is especially critical during flowering, fruit development and flower bud formation in late summer/early fall.

When should I harvest blueberries?

Useful indicators of maturity are berry color, taste and ease of harvest. At maturity, blueberries are uniformly dark blue in color. (However, don’t harvest blueberries solely on color as the berries are often blue for some time before being fully ripe.)

When the berries are uniformly blue in color, taste a few fruit. Harvest the berries when the fruit are sweet. Finally, mature blueberries detach easily from the pedicel (fruit stalk) when the berries are gently twisted between the thumb and forefinger.

After harvesting, immediately store blueberries in the refrigerator. Blueberries can be stored in the refrigerator for seven to 10 days.

What kind of yield can I expect from blueberries?

Blueberry plants should come into full production by the fifth or sixth year. Gardeners can expect to harvest 5 to 10 pounds of fruit per plant from mature highbush blueberries. Half-high blueberries generally produce 1 to 3 pounds per plant.

How do I keep birds from eating my blueberries?

Scare devices may be helpful. However, netting is the most effective method of protection and should be placed over plants when the fruit begin to turn color. Hang the netting over some type of support structure with the edges of the netting buried or anchored to the ground to prevent the entry of birds from below.

Source : iastate.edu