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Steve Brigham
Plant Care Guide
Vaccinium corymbosum x ashei var. Southern Highbush

Southern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum x ashei var. Southern Highbush)

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  • General Information
  • Buy
  • Plant
  • Sow Seeds
  • Fertilize
  • Water
  • Prune
  • Mulch
  • Protect
  • Pest/Disease Inspection
  • Treat for Pest/Disease
  • Transplant
  • Propagate
  • Harvest
  • Special requirements

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.

Sunset Zones

USDA Zones

Web Link

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.

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.

Sow Seeds

When can you plant these seeds? When's the best time? Can you start them indoors and move them out? Do they have any special requirements?

Fertilize

When should you fertilize this plant? Which kind of fertilizer do you recommend? Should you use different fertilizers at different times of year?

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.

Prune

When's a good time to prune this plant? How about deadheading, pinching back, trimming or any other grooming? Any special requirements?

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.

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?

Pest/Disease Inspection

What are the common problems this plant will face and when should you look for them to appear?

Treat for Pest/Disease

How do you treat the common problems for this plant? What products or concoctions or natural means do you use? Any special requirements?

Transplant

When's the best time to dig up and transplant this from one spot to another? (This is different than planting). Any special requirements?

Propagate

When's a good time to divide, take cuttings, layer or propagate this plant. Any special requirements?

Harvest

When's a good time to harvest this plant? What's the best way to harvest? Are there special requirements or features?

Special requirements

Any other requirement for this plant? Is there anything that doesn't fit into the other care categories?