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General Information
Thanks to the modern Southern Highbush Blueberry hybrids, it is not only possible but easy to grow delicious blueberries in coastal Southern California, as long as you choose low-chill varieties such as \'Sunshine Blue\' (the best), \'Misty\', \'Sharpblue\', and \'O\'Neal\', and plant two or more varieties for the best pollination. Although you can grow blueberries in the ground, for the best results in the home garden, many experts recommend growing blueberries in large containers or raised beds, where proper soil mix and acidity can be controlled. The right varieties and the right soil mix and acidity are the keys to success in coastal Southern California, where blueberry plants can often be evergreen and are quite ornamental as well.
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Plant Care Instruction
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- December
January1. BuyBuy bare-root plants or established plants in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.2. PlantTry planting in 5-gallon or larger containers (half-barrels are ideal), using a soil mix of 1/3 bark (1/4\"), 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 forest humus-based potting soil, plus 2 tablespoons of soil sulfur per cubic foot of mix. If growing in the ground, amend heavily with this mix. Plant in full sun on the coast, sun or a little shade inland.3. WaterKeep plants watered regularly, but make sure drainage is good.4. MulchMaintain a 3\" organic mulch around plants to protect sensitive surface roots from heat and dryness.February1. BuyBuy bare-root plants or established plants in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.2. PlantTry planting in 5-gallon or larger containers (half-barrels are ideal), using a soil mix of 1/3 bark (1/4\"), 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 forest humus-based potting soil, plus 2 tablespoons of soil sulfur per cubic foot of mix. If growing in the ground, amend heavily with this mix. Plant in full sun on the coast, sun or a little shade inland.3. WaterKeep plants watered regularly, but make sure drainage is good.4. MulchMaintain a 3\" organic mulch around plants to protect sensitive surface roots from heat and dryness.March1. BuyBuy established plants in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.2. PlantTry planting in 5-gallon or larger containers (half-barrels are ideal), using a soil mix of 1/3 bark (1/4\"), 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 forest humus-based potting soil, plus 2 tablespoons of soil sulfur per cubic foot of mix. If growing in the ground, amend heavily with this mix. Plant in full sun on the coast, sun or a little shade inland.3. FertilizeFeed lightly once a month with an acid-type fertilizer. Don\'t overfeed, and never use nitrate-type fertilizers, which will burn plants.4. WaterKeep plants watered regularly, but make sure drainage is good.5. PruneRemove flowers on first-year plants to strengthen growth. On older plants, prune to prevent over-bearing by cutting back the ends of twigs to the point where fruit buds are widely spaced.6. MulchMaintain a 3\" organic mulch around plants to protect sensitive surface roots from heat and dryness.7. PropagatePropagate by stem cuttings of hardened-off new growth.April1. BuyBuy established plants in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.2. PlantTry planting in 5-gallon or larger containers (half-barrels are ideal), using a soil mix of 1/3 bark (1/4\"), 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 forest humus-based potting soil, plus 2 tablespoons of soil sulfur per cubic foot of mix. If growing in the ground, amend heavily with this mix. Plant in full sun on the coast, sun or a little shade inland.3. FertilizeFeed lightly once a month with an acid-type fertilizer. Don\'t overfeed, and never use nitrate-type fertilizers, which will burn plants.4. WaterKeep plants watered regularly, but make sure drainage is good.5. PruneRemove flowers on first-year plants to strengthen growth. On older plants, prune to prevent over-bearing by cutting back the ends of twigs to the point where fruit buds are widely spaced.6. MulchMaintain a 3\" organic mulch around plants to protect sensitive surface roots from heat and dryness.7. PropagatePropagate by stem cuttings of hardened-off new growth.May1. BuyBuy established plants in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.2. PlantTry planting in 5-gallon or larger containers (half-barrels are ideal), using a soil mix of 1/3 bark (1/4\"), 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 forest humus-based potting soil, plus 2 tablespoons of soil sulfur per cubic foot of mix. If growing in the ground, amend heavily with this mix. Plant in full sun on the coast, sun or a little shade inland.3. FertilizeFeed lightly once a month with an acid-type fertilizer. Don\'t overfeed, and never use nitrate-type fertilizers, which will burn plants.4. WaterKeep plants watered regularly, but make sure drainage is good.5. PruneRemove flowers on first-year plants to strengthen growth. On older plants, prune to prevent over-bearing by cutting back the ends of twigs to the point where fruit buds are widely spaced.6. MulchMaintain a 3\" organic mulch around plants to protect sensitive surface roots from heat and dryness.7. ProtectProtect fruit from birds with netting, if necessary.8. PropagatePropagate by stem cuttings of hardened-off new growth.9. HarvestPick blueberries when fully ripe and sweet.June1. BuyBuy established plants in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.2. PlantTry planting in 5-gallon or larger containers (half-barrels are ideal), using a soil mix of 1/3 bark (1/4\"), 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 forest humus-based potting soil, plus 2 tablespoons of soil sulfur per cubic foot of mix. If growing in the ground, amend heavily with this mix. Plant in full sun on the coast, sun or a little shade inland.3. FertilizeFeed lightly once a month with an acid-type fertilizer. Don\'t overfeed, and never use nitrate-type fertilizers, which will burn plants.4. WaterKeep plants watered regularly, but make sure drainage is good.5. MulchMaintain a 3\" organic mulch around plants to protect sensitive surface roots from heat and dryness.6. ProtectProtect fruit from birds with netting, if necessary.7. HarvestPick blueberries when fully ripe and sweet.July1. BuyBuy established plants in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.2. PlantTry planting in 5-gallon or larger containers (half-barrels are ideal), using a soil mix of 1/3 bark (1/4\"), 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 forest humus-based potting soil, plus 2 tablespoons of soil sulfur per cubic foot of mix. If growing in the ground, amend heavily with this mix. Plant in full sun on the coast, sun or a little shade inland.3. FertilizeFeed lightly once a month with an acid-type fertilizer. Don\'t overfeed, and never use nitrate-type fertilizers, which will burn plants.4. WaterKeep plants watered regularly, but make sure drainage is good.5. MulchMaintain a 3\" organic mulch around plants to protect sensitive surface roots from heat and dryness.6. ProtectProtect fruit from birds with netting, if necessary.7. HarvestPick blueberries when fully ripe and sweet.August1. BuyBuy established plants in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.2. PlantTry planting in 5-gallon or larger containers (half-barrels are ideal), using a soil mix of 1/3 bark (1/4\"), 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 forest humus-based potting soil, plus 2 tablespoons of soil sulfur per cubic foot of mix. If growing in the ground, amend heavily with this mix. Plant in full sun on the coast, sun or a little shade inland.3. FertilizeFeed lightly once a month with an acid-type fertilizer. Don\'t overfeed, and never use nitrate-type fertilizers, which will burn plants.4. WaterKeep plants watered regularly, but make sure drainage is good.5. MulchMaintain a 3\" organic mulch around plants to protect sensitive surface roots from heat and dryness.6. ProtectProtect fruit from birds with netting, if necessary.7. HarvestPick blueberries when fully ripe and sweet.September1. BuyBuy established plants in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.2. PlantTry planting in 5-gallon or larger containers (half-barrels are ideal), using a soil mix of 1/3 bark (1/4\"), 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 forest humus-based potting soil, plus 2 tablespoons of soil sulfur per cubic foot of mix. If growing in the ground, amend heavily with this mix. Plant in full sun on the coast, sun or a little shade inland.3. FertilizeFeed lightly once a month with an acid-type fertilizer. Don\'t overfeed, and never use nitrate-type fertilizers, which will burn plants.4. WaterKeep plants watered regularly, but make sure drainage is good.5. MulchMaintain a 3\" organic mulch around plants to protect sensitive surface roots from heat and dryness.October1. BuyBuy bare-root plants or established plants in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.2. PlantTry planting in 5-gallon or larger containers (half-barrels are ideal), using a soil mix of 1/3 bark (1/4\"), 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 forest humus-based potting soil, plus 2 tablespoons of soil sulfur per cubic foot of mix. If growing in the ground, amend heavily with this mix. Plant in full sun on the coast, sun or a little shade inland.3. FertilizeFeed lightly once a month with an acid-type fertilizer. Don\'t overfeed, and never use nitrate-type fertilizers, which will burn plants.4. WaterKeep plants watered regularly, but make sure drainage is good.5. MulchMaintain a 3\" organic mulch around plants to protect sensitive surface roots from heat and dryness.November1. BuyBuy bare-root plants or established plants in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.2. PlantTry planting in 5-gallon or larger containers (half-barrels are ideal), using a soil mix of 1/3 bark (1/4\"), 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 forest humus-based potting soil, plus 2 tablespoons of soil sulfur per cubic foot of mix. If growing in the ground, amend heavily with this mix. Plant in full sun on the coast, sun or a little shade inland.3. WaterKeep plants watered regularly, but make sure drainage is good.4. MulchMaintain a 3\" organic mulch around plants to protect sensitive surface roots from heat and dryness.December1. BuyBuy bare-root plants or established plants in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.2. PlantTry planting in 5-gallon or larger containers (half-barrels are ideal), using a soil mix of 1/3 bark (1/4\"), 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 forest humus-based potting soil, plus 2 tablespoons of soil sulfur per cubic foot of mix. If growing in the ground, amend heavily with this mix. Plant in full sun on the coast, sun or a little shade inland.3. WaterKeep plants watered regularly, but make sure drainage is good.4. MulchMaintain a 3\" organic mulch around plants to protect sensitive surface roots from heat and dryness. -
Buy
When's the best time to buy this plant? When can you buy these from seed (if you can)? When is it usually available? What are things to look for when you're buying it? Or anything other tidbit of information you can share!
January
Buy bare-root plants or established plants in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.
February
Buy bare-root plants or established plants in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.
March
Buy established plants in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.
April
Buy established plants in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.
May
Buy established plants in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.
June
Buy established plants in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.
July
Buy established plants in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.
August
Buy established plants in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.
September
Buy established plants in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.
October
Buy bare-root plants or established plants in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.
November
Buy bare-root plants or established plants in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.
December
Buy bare-root plants or established plants in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.
Plant
When's a good time to plant this plant or bulb? Any special planting instructions?
January
Try planting in 5-gallon or larger containers (half-barrels are ideal), using a soil mix of 1/3 bark (1/4\"), 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 forest humus-based potting soil, plus 2 tablespoons of soil sulfur per cubic foot of mix. If growing in the ground, amend heavily with this mix. Plant in full sun on the coast, sun or a little shade inland.
February
Try planting in 5-gallon or larger containers (half-barrels are ideal), using a soil mix of 1/3 bark (1/4\"), 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 forest humus-based potting soil, plus 2 tablespoons of soil sulfur per cubic foot of mix. If growing in the ground, amend heavily with this mix. Plant in full sun on the coast, sun or a little shade inland.
March
Try planting in 5-gallon or larger containers (half-barrels are ideal), using a soil mix of 1/3 bark (1/4\"), 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 forest humus-based potting soil, plus 2 tablespoons of soil sulfur per cubic foot of mix. If growing in the ground, amend heavily with this mix. Plant in full sun on the coast, sun or a little shade inland.
April
Try planting in 5-gallon or larger containers (half-barrels are ideal), using a soil mix of 1/3 bark (1/4\"), 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 forest humus-based potting soil, plus 2 tablespoons of soil sulfur per cubic foot of mix. If growing in the ground, amend heavily with this mix. Plant in full sun on the coast, sun or a little shade inland.
May
Try planting in 5-gallon or larger containers (half-barrels are ideal), using a soil mix of 1/3 bark (1/4\"), 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 forest humus-based potting soil, plus 2 tablespoons of soil sulfur per cubic foot of mix. If growing in the ground, amend heavily with this mix. Plant in full sun on the coast, sun or a little shade inland.
June
Try planting in 5-gallon or larger containers (half-barrels are ideal), using a soil mix of 1/3 bark (1/4\"), 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 forest humus-based potting soil, plus 2 tablespoons of soil sulfur per cubic foot of mix. If growing in the ground, amend heavily with this mix. Plant in full sun on the coast, sun or a little shade inland.
July
Try planting in 5-gallon or larger containers (half-barrels are ideal), using a soil mix of 1/3 bark (1/4\"), 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 forest humus-based potting soil, plus 2 tablespoons of soil sulfur per cubic foot of mix. If growing in the ground, amend heavily with this mix. Plant in full sun on the coast, sun or a little shade inland.
August
Try planting in 5-gallon or larger containers (half-barrels are ideal), using a soil mix of 1/3 bark (1/4\"), 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 forest humus-based potting soil, plus 2 tablespoons of soil sulfur per cubic foot of mix. If growing in the ground, amend heavily with this mix. Plant in full sun on the coast, sun or a little shade inland.
September
Try planting in 5-gallon or larger containers (half-barrels are ideal), using a soil mix of 1/3 bark (1/4\"), 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 forest humus-based potting soil, plus 2 tablespoons of soil sulfur per cubic foot of mix. If growing in the ground, amend heavily with this mix. Plant in full sun on the coast, sun or a little shade inland.
October
Try planting in 5-gallon or larger containers (half-barrels are ideal), using a soil mix of 1/3 bark (1/4\"), 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 forest humus-based potting soil, plus 2 tablespoons of soil sulfur per cubic foot of mix. If growing in the ground, amend heavily with this mix. Plant in full sun on the coast, sun or a little shade inland.
November
Try planting in 5-gallon or larger containers (half-barrels are ideal), using a soil mix of 1/3 bark (1/4\"), 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 forest humus-based potting soil, plus 2 tablespoons of soil sulfur per cubic foot of mix. If growing in the ground, amend heavily with this mix. Plant in full sun on the coast, sun or a little shade inland.
December
Try planting in 5-gallon or larger containers (half-barrels are ideal), using a soil mix of 1/3 bark (1/4\"), 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 forest humus-based potting soil, plus 2 tablespoons of soil sulfur per cubic foot of mix. If growing in the ground, amend heavily with this mix. Plant in full sun on the coast, sun or a little shade inland.
Fertilize
When should you fertilize this plant? Which kind of fertilizer do you recommend? Should you use different fertilizers at different times of year?
March
Feed lightly once a month with an acid-type fertilizer. Don\'t overfeed, and never use nitrate-type fertilizers, which will burn plants.
April
Feed lightly once a month with an acid-type fertilizer. Don\'t overfeed, and never use nitrate-type fertilizers, which will burn plants.
May
Feed lightly once a month with an acid-type fertilizer. Don\'t overfeed, and never use nitrate-type fertilizers, which will burn plants.
June
Feed lightly once a month with an acid-type fertilizer. Don\'t overfeed, and never use nitrate-type fertilizers, which will burn plants.
July
Feed lightly once a month with an acid-type fertilizer. Don\'t overfeed, and never use nitrate-type fertilizers, which will burn plants.
August
Feed lightly once a month with an acid-type fertilizer. Don\'t overfeed, and never use nitrate-type fertilizers, which will burn plants.
September
Feed lightly once a month with an acid-type fertilizer. Don\'t overfeed, and never use nitrate-type fertilizers, which will burn plants.
October
Feed lightly once a month with an acid-type fertilizer. Don\'t overfeed, and never use nitrate-type fertilizers, which will burn plants.
Water
Is there a time to reduce or increase watering? Any special requirements? Things to avoid during certain times of the year?
January
Keep plants watered regularly, but make sure drainage is good.
February
Keep plants watered regularly, but make sure drainage is good.
March
Keep plants watered regularly, but make sure drainage is good.
April
Keep plants watered regularly, but make sure drainage is good.
May
Keep plants watered regularly, but make sure drainage is good.
June
Keep plants watered regularly, but make sure drainage is good.
July
Keep plants watered regularly, but make sure drainage is good.
August
Keep plants watered regularly, but make sure drainage is good.
September
Keep plants watered regularly, but make sure drainage is good.
October
Keep plants watered regularly, but make sure drainage is good.
November
Keep plants watered regularly, but make sure drainage is good.
December
Keep plants watered regularly, but make sure drainage is good.
Prune
When's a good time to prune this plant? How about deadheading, pinching back, trimming or any other grooming? Any special requirements?
March
Remove flowers on first-year plants to strengthen growth. On older plants, prune to prevent over-bearing by cutting back the ends of twigs to the point where fruit buds are widely spaced.
April
Remove flowers on first-year plants to strengthen growth. On older plants, prune to prevent over-bearing by cutting back the ends of twigs to the point where fruit buds are widely spaced.
May
Remove flowers on first-year plants to strengthen growth. On older plants, prune to prevent over-bearing by cutting back the ends of twigs to the point where fruit buds are widely spaced.
Mulch
Does this plant need to be mulched? Are there specific types of Mulch which are better for this plant? How much?
January
Maintain a 3\" organic mulch around plants to protect sensitive surface roots from heat and dryness.
February
Maintain a 3\" organic mulch around plants to protect sensitive surface roots from heat and dryness.
March
Maintain a 3\" organic mulch around plants to protect sensitive surface roots from heat and dryness.
April
Maintain a 3\" organic mulch around plants to protect sensitive surface roots from heat and dryness.
May
Maintain a 3\" organic mulch around plants to protect sensitive surface roots from heat and dryness.
June
Maintain a 3\" organic mulch around plants to protect sensitive surface roots from heat and dryness.
July
Maintain a 3\" organic mulch around plants to protect sensitive surface roots from heat and dryness.
August
Maintain a 3\" organic mulch around plants to protect sensitive surface roots from heat and dryness.
September
Maintain a 3\" organic mulch around plants to protect sensitive surface roots from heat and dryness.
October
Maintain a 3\" organic mulch around plants to protect sensitive surface roots from heat and dryness.
November
Maintain a 3\" organic mulch around plants to protect sensitive surface roots from heat and dryness.
December
Maintain a 3\" organic mulch around plants to protect sensitive surface roots from heat and dryness.
Protect
When and how should you protect this plant from birds, deer, rabbits? Does this plant need be covered, or wrapped or painted or moved?
May
Protect fruit from birds with netting, if necessary.
June
Protect fruit from birds with netting, if necessary.
July
Protect fruit from birds with netting, if necessary.
August
Protect fruit from birds with netting, if necessary.
Propagate
When's a good time to divide, take cuttings, layer or propagate this plant. Any special requirements?
March
Propagate by stem cuttings of hardened-off new growth.
April
Propagate by stem cuttings of hardened-off new growth.
May
Propagate by stem cuttings of hardened-off new growth.
Harvest
When's a good time to harvest this plant? What's the best way to harvest? Are there special requirements or features?
May
Pick blueberries when fully ripe and sweet.
June
Pick blueberries when fully ripe and sweet.
July
Pick blueberries when fully ripe and sweet.
August
Pick blueberries when fully ripe and sweet.
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