Blueberries are a superfood, so growing your own makes you kind of a superhero, we think. If you’re new to growing your own fruit, blueberries are a rewarding, easy one to start with. This species stays nice and compact and while you can plant it out in the garden, it does really well in pots. You can leave it in it's nursery pot (the plastic pot it comes in), but we highly recommend planting it up into a larger decorative pot. This will give it room to grow and means you'll need to water it a little less often. Either way, remember to repot it every two to three years. Be sure to use ericaceous compost when you do, as blueberry plants like more acidic soil than others.
It should provide fruit from around July to September. Even when not in fruit, it will add interest to your outdoor space. The leaves turn a lovely deep red in autumn, before they drop in winter.
This blueberry bush is a promise to your future self. It's best planted up when it's dormant (has lost it's leaves and is not actively growing) between autumn and spring. While it'll be so busy growing healthy roots that you’re unlikely to get fruit the first year after it's planted, take care of it and it’ll reward you with fruit year after year.
Blueberries originate from North America and this species is mainly found growing on forest floors or near swamps. That means it likes its soil moist (but not soggy, please). Water it regularly and never let it dry out. Water it more often when it’s fruiting, as those juicy berries need a lot of moisture. Once a month, add some liquid fertilizer to give it a good feed.
Little white flowers will appear before the berries start forming. Berries will gradually turn from green to that familiar dusty blue. When they look like this they’re ready to pick. They freeze really well, if you find you’re growing them faster than you can eat them.
Did you know?
Long ago, whalers in New England would use blueberries to dye their clothes. We’re not suggesting you try this.
Easy care
Bright light
Autumn colour
Moist soil
Shelter
