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Spartan Blueberry bushes (Vaccinium corymbosum), is a Northern Highbush variety. It is known for its attractive color, tasty fruit and blueberries that are often larger than a quarter. The plants grow 4-6ft tall and are 4-5ft wide. The ideal planting time is early spring or late autumn.
Planting blueberries in 5-gallon buckets with 5-6 drain holes in the bottom is one way to grow them. Use an azalea/camellia potting mix with a 4:1 ratio of micro bark to potting soil. Place the blueberries into the soil at the same depth as they were planted at the nursery. Blueberries like full sun with some afternoon protection in very hot areas. Top-dress the plants with 2-3 inches of mulch to conserve water loss and keep the plants cool in the heat of summer. Water plants immediately after transplanting. Blueberries do not tolerate drought or standing water. Irrigate often and from the bottom if possible. If you're watering with sprinklers, water in the morning to allow plants to dry before nightfall. This helps to prevent leaf and fruit disease. You can fertilize your plants 2-3 weeks after planting. Ammonium sulfate (21% N) is popular for blueberries because it adds nitrogen to the soil and helps acidify it. Apply fertilizer evenly around the entire bush.
Blueberries have shallow roots and container pots provide poor insulation to the roots. To prevent damage to the root zone bury the plants during the cold months (November through February). Your blueberries will do fine in the buckets for the first 2 years and then transplant them into a larger container at least 24 inches deep and 24 to 30 inches wide. It will be 5 years before your blueberries will produce their maximum harvest.
Enjoy your blueberries!
Enjoy your blueberries!
