GROW BLUEBERRIES

If you have ever wondered how to grow blueberries far superior in taste and antioxidants to those you can buy in-store, we’re here to help!

Blueberries prefer acidic soils; in fact, they prefer more acidic soil conditions than any we are aware of in the central part of the state (though some parts of eastern Oklahoma have soil conditions that are favorable or very near favorable). However, don’t let sweeter soil keep you from growing these sweet berries. With regular soil amending or by growing them in containers, you can enjoy a bountiful berry harvest.

SITING & PLANTING

SOIL

Blueberries like a soil pH of 4.5 to 5.5, and they prefer well-drained sandy loam soils with added organic material. As mentioned, these kind of low-pH soil conditions are rare in Oklahoma; for that reason, we really like growing blueberries in containers. Dave Wilson Nursery, a leading fruit grower in California, has a helpful guide for getting the soil conditions right to grow blueberries in containers. Smart Pot®, an Oklahoma company that makes its products in the USA, also has some great advice based on the experiences of an Oklahoma blueberry farmer growing in containers on his farm in Owasso. Bushel and Berry® has a line of blueberries that are compact and perfect for growing in containers, many of which we stock at Marcum’s Nursery.

SUNLIGHT

Blueberries require 6-8 hours of sunlight for best yields, making them a full-sun plant. However, in the experiences of some of our coworkers who grow blueberries, the hottest parts of the Oklahoma summer can quickly dry out containers and burn the leaves of blueberry bushes. This brings us to another reason we love growing blueberries in containers – in the hottest parts of summer, blueberries can be moved to places with shade protection in the afternoon and early evening hours when the sun’s rays are most intense.

CARING FOR BLUEBERRIES

MULCHING

Adding mulch to your blueberries will help the soil retain moisture and keep weeds down. As mulch breaks down over time, it will also add organic matter to the soil which blueberries love!

WATERING

Adding mulch to your blueberries will help the soil retain moisture and keep weeds down. As mulch breaks down over time, it will also add organic matter to the soil which blueberries love!

FEEDING

Blueberries don’t require fertilizer at the time of planting. Every spring after planting, add sulfur to adjust pH if needed and use a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants. Never use nitrogen in nitrate form as it can burn the roots of blueberry bushes.

PRUNING

Pruning is best accomplished toward the end of the dormant season. Don’t prune in the fall as it can encourage new growth, and don’t prune too much since blueberries bloom and fruit on old wood. Remove dead or damaged canes at any time.

BLUEBERRY VARIETIES

We stock several beautiful, great-tasting varieties of blueberries at Marcum’s Nursery. Bushel and Berry® has introduced several varieties that have been performing well in our climate, and ‘Sunshine Blue’ is another favorite that blooms heavily and performs well in Oklahoma. Below is an overview of some of our most commonly stocked (and loved) blueberry varieties.