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How to Plant and Prune Blueberry Bushes |
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| 1) Choose a location with at least 8 hours of sun. 2) Good drainage is important so a raised bed works best. 3) Dig a hole 20” wide by 15” deep. 4) Mix the soil from the hole with either; peat moss and Soil Perfector or Cottonbur Compost, 1/4lb of Soil Acidifier and Soil Perfector. 5) After planting with the soil mix, fill the hole with water and water a minimum of 3-5 gallons per plant 2 times per week. 6) An additional application of 1/2 lb of cottonseed meal or 1/4lb soil acidifier is recommended 2 months later. 7) Fertilize in successive years with cottonseed meal or Holly-tone. |
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| Pruning: Blueberry plants normally do not need to be pruned for the first three years. Remove blossoms that appear in the year of planting and second year after planting to stimulate vigorous growth. It is important to know the anatomy of a blueberry bush before attempting to prune blueberries. During the fourth year, the dormant plants should be pruned in mid-March. At this time, remove dead and weak branches and thin, terminal wood with small buds. Prune interior crossing branches to admit light to the center of the plant. In subsequent years, thin out older branches to force new growth. Tall-growing branches can be headed back and thin branches removed. Flower buds of blueberry bush are produced on tips and down the second year old shoots. Blueberry bushes tend to produce smaller berries when they are over loaded with fruits. Hence, it is important not to have too many flower buds. |
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 1605 South Big Bend Blvd Richmond Heights, Missouri 63117 314-645-SEED • fax-314-645-0121 |
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