Blueberries are one the most tasty soft fruits that you can grow in Ireland and they also have many health benefits including high levels of antioxidants, fibre and vitamins.
They are an extremly attractive plant which are related to rhododendron and azalea, that have bright red foliage in autumn and creamy-white, bell-shaped flowers in spring. They have a long fruiting season from late July to mid September
Blueberries are an ideal choice for acidic soils, they do especially well on reasonably drained peat soils. Although soil can be treated to increase acidity on less suitable site. They can also be sucessfully grown in large containers near the house making harvesting very convenient. In this case regular watering in dry spells during the spring and summer is very important.
Blueberries can be planted at any time of the year if they are bought in pots, Early to Mid Spring is a good time to get the most growth from the season.
For a long fruiting season choose early, mid season and late varieties. Bluecrop is mid Season and one of the most productive for the Irish climate. Duke and Bluejay are Early. Brigitta is late season
Choosing and Preparing a Suitable Site for Planting
Select a sunny, sheltered spot, blueberries will tolerant some shade but better/sweeter crops are obtained in the sun. At the same time, they will do better sheltered fom strong, drying winds.
Don’t plant blueberries too close to other trees, as they will compete by blocking out sunlight, and also sucking up moisture in the soil.
Plant multiple bushes of diferent varieties in an area together. This will help berry production and quality.
The blueberry is a shallow-rooted plant. Therefore, it requires a soil that holds moisture, but also drains well and doesn’t stay wet. Don’t plant blueberries in sites that have heavy, clay soils that stay waterlogged.
Blueberries thrive in soil that is acidic. The soil pH should ideally be between 4.0 and 5.0, 5.5 is ok for some varieties; soil that isn’t acidic enough will stunt growth. Soil can be acidified by mixing a small amount of granulated sulfur into the soil several months before planting. Peat moss, as well as pine bark or needles, are also good additions that will help acidify your soil.
Mix organic matter into the soil before you set your blueberry bushes, shreded leaves, well rotted home compost, old sawdust, ericeaous bagged compost but never compost that has been limed.
If you notice your blueberries have stopped growing this is normally a sign that your soil has become less acidic and you will need to addd amendments .
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