Blueberries are delicious fruits, perfect for a healthy snack as they are high in nutrients, fibers, antioxidants, and minerals. After all, there must be reasons for blueberries to be one of nature’s superfoods.
But these fruits can get expensive. If you purchase them at the supermarket or your local market, you know what we are talking about. So, what about growing blueberry bushes in your yard?
Well, it is much easier than you think! If you live anywhere between USDA hardiness zones 3 and 9, consider adding these fruiting shrubs to your yard.
And don’t worry if you are a beginner gardener: these plants are relatively easy to grow if you ensure they get what they need to thrive! But how big do blueberry bushes get?
And what should you know about growing them? You are in the perfect place to find that out!
Here, you’ll find everything you must know about growing blueberries in your garden and ensure you get plenty of harvests!
Does that sound interesting to you? Jump to the following sections to prepare your garden to welcome blueberries.
How to Prepare Your Garden for Growing Blueberries
Blueberry bushes are relatives of rhododendrons and azaleas: they are not only fruiting plants but can also be an attractive addition to your landscape. Their deep green foliage turns scarlet in the fall.
And during the spring, these plants will brighten your yard with beautiful creamy-white bell-shaped blooms.
Space
Before planting one in your garden, you should ensure you have the necessary space to support this plant’s growth. So, it helps knowing how big these bushes can get.
Height
And for your information, they usually grow to become between 1 and 12 feet high and wide. But these shrubs are relatively slow-growing: it takes them about ten years to reach their mature full size.
Variety
However, the size of a blueberry bush depends on the variety. You can find dwarf species that only grow to about one to three feet high and even larger ones.
There are four main types of blueberries: rabbiteye, highbush, lowbush, or hybrid half-high. Inside each category, you’ll find several species. Ensure you choose the one best suited to your region to avoid struggling to grow it.
Planting blueberries
Select a sunny spot in your garden with some protection from harsh winds to plant your blueberries. Consider getting one to three-year-old plants: you’ll get harvests much sooner (and save yourself some time and effort)!
Also, avoid picking a spot close to a tree: they might compete with blueberries for water and nutrients (and might even block the sunlight from hitting your bushes).
Don’t forget that blueberry bushes have shallow roots: you’ll need to give them well-draining soil and prevent them from getting wet feet.
You can add a layer of mulch around your plants to improve water retention and keep your shrubs moist for longer. This step is especially crucial if you live in a region with hot and dry summers.
Soil type
Like their cousins (rhododendrons and azaleas), blueberries too thrive in acidic soils. Make the necessary amendments to bring your substrate’s pH between 4.0 and 5.0. Too much alkalinity might result in stunt growth.
But what else should you know about growing blueberries in your yard? You can find our tips in the following section!
Growing Blueberries: Our Tips
To begin with, you should avoid planting your bushes too deep: you might prevent them from getting the moisture and nutrients they need to grow (and produce their delicious fruits).
Also, if you are growing more than one plant, we recommend you space them at least four to five feet apart.
You might have to apply fertilizer to boost growth. Ensure you select a balanced slow-release product. Follow the instructions you find on the label to avoid overdoing it.
Don’t forget that too much of a good thing can damage your plants.
You can also grow your blueberries in containers. That way might be easier to protect your plants from attacks from pests and move them around in case you need to.
Plus, you will have a less challenging time reaching the optimal pH level in the soil to support these bushes’ growth.
How Big Do Blueberry Bushes Get?: Final thoughts
Caring for blueberries includes mulching around their root system to maintain them moist: a layer of two to four inches thick woodchips, pine needles, or sawdust will give you the best result.
Don’t forget to prune your plants: it will ensure adequate airflow and minimize the risk of attacks from pests and diseases. Plus, it will boost fruit production, which is never a bad thing.
Related Article: Good Blueberry Companion Plants