Do you want to plant Blueberry bushes in your garden but need recommendations for Blueberry plant spacing? This post is for you.
The planting space is crucial for the growth, health, pollination, fruit production, and optimum conditions of your Blueberries.
Planting too close will result in undue competition for water, sunlight, and nutrients among the Blueberry plants, leading to smaller, less flavorful berries. Whereas planting too far apart is not only wasteful but can impact fruiting.
In this post, we will discuss the ideal Blueberry spacing recommendations for optimal growth and fruit production. Read on.
How Far Apart To Plant Blueberry Bushes?
There is no general answer to this question.
How far apart to plant your Blueberry plants depends on a number of factors, which include your garden layout, how you wish to grow the Blueberry, and the variety of Blueberry you want to grow.
Based on the factors above, here are our Blueberry plant spacing recommendations:Â
Variety Of Blueberry
Northern Highbush Blueberry
If you are planting the Northern Highbush Blueberry variety, the basic spacing is four to five feet apart between plants and ten to 12 feet apart between rows.Â
However, if you have a small garden and want to practice intensive planting, plant this Blueberry variety four feet apart between plants and eight feet apart between rows.
Rabbiteye Blueberry
The basic spacing is eight feet apart between plants and 12 to 14 feet apart between rows. For intensive planting, keep six to eight feet apart between plants and ten feet apart between rows.
Southern Highbush Blueberry
The basic spacing for this variety is six feet apart between plants and ten to 12 feet apart between rows. Five to six feet apart between plants and eight to ten feet apart between rows is ideal for intensive plantings.
We recommend this general spacing guideline for all highbush Blueberries varieties, which also include Bluecrop, Patriot, Jersey, Blueray, and Chandler: four to six feet between plants and six to eight feet between rows.
Lowbush Blueberries
The recommended spacing for all lowbush Blueberries is two to four feet apart between plants and three to four feet apart between rows.
Half-High BlueberriesÂ
The recommended spacing for all lowbush Blueberries is three to four feet apart between plants and four to six feet apart between rows.
The recommended plant spacing above allows your Blueberry bushes to have enough light, air, and root space for healthy growth.Â
However, this recommended plant spacing is best suited for anyone with a lot of garden space that can accommodate wider rows for netting and maintenance.
The intensive spacing is for gardeners with a smaller space. So that when your Blueberry plants have grown to full size, the space between the rows will be about three to four feet apart.
Although you may wish to adjust your plant spacing a little bit based on your garden size and layout, be careful not to go to extremes if you want proper growth and vigor for your plants.
How You Wish To Grow The Blueberry
Though you are the owner of your garden and the final spacing decision lies with you, we believe that you neither want to excessively waste garden space nor want your Blueberry plants to shade each other, leading to decreased berries.
Hence, irrespective of how you choose to grow your Blueberries, observe the following spacing:
If you are planting your blueberry bushes in hedgerows, maintain a plant spacing of two to two and a half or three feet apart for a solid hedgerow.Â
For individual plants, four to six feet apart is ideal, while Blueberry bushes should be planted with eight to ten feet space in between rows to allow planting equipment.
Important Factors To Consider When Deciding Blueberry Plant Spacing
The Variety Of Blueberry You Wish To GrowÂ
You need to know and understand that different Blueberry varieties have different sizes at maturity or when fully grown. Therefore, check your Blueberry varieties and follow their specific plant spacing recommendations.  Â
The Growth Habit Of The Blueberry VarietyÂ
While some Blueberry varieties grow more widely, some grow more upright. This will affect the spacing to allow in between them.
Garden Size And Layout
Before planting Blueberry bushes, consider the size and layout of your entire garden and determine how much space you wish to allocate to growing Blueberries.
Other Helpful Tips For Growing Blueberry Plants
Observe these tips if you want optimal growth for your Blueberry bushes:
- Plant your Blueberry bushes in the fall or spring.Â
- Plant them at the same level they were growing at the nursery.
- Water them thoroughly after planting.Â
- Apply fertilizer a month after planting.Â
- Apply a thick layer of mulch – about two to four inches – after planting.Â
Conclusion
Now you know the recommended plant spacing for Blueberry bushes. By planting Blueberries at these recommended spacings, you are setting your plants up for success.Â
These recommended spacings allow for optimal nutrient and water uptake, air circulation, and sunlight penetration, resulting in healthier, more fruitful, and more productive Blueberry plants.
Don’t forget to always consider the variety of Blueberry you have when determining the recommended planting space.Â
Finally, these are general guidelines. Do your best to consult a professional to guide you on the specific recommendations for your Blueberry variety to ensure healthy and productive Blueberry plants.
Happy planting!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, you can plant your Blueberry in a raised garden bed. A raised garden bed is an excellent option where the in-garden soil is marginally drained or not ideal for growing Blueberry bushes.
Also, if your garden soil is not acidic enough for Blueberries, using a raised bed enables you to easily adjust the soil mix and create the necessary acidic conditions.
Can slugs attack my Blueberry bushes?
Yes, slugs can attack your Blueberry bushes. In fact, slugs can cause severe damage to the blueberry foliage and berries, leaving irregular shapes in the Blueberry’s leaves, flowers, and fruits.
It is very important to get rid of slugs as soon as you begin to see them in your garden.
How do I make my raised garden bed acidic for Blueberry plants?
Generally, Blueberry plants prefer acidic soil with a soil pH level between 4.0 and 5.5.
If your garden soil is less acidic, you can increase its acidity by making a circle around the drip line of each Blackberry plant and pouring acidifying granules into it.
You can also apply elemental sulfur to the soil in the raised bed. But this must be done long before planting as elemental sulfur takes time before taking effect.
Applying peat moss is also effective in maintaining soil acidity.
Where do Blueberry bushes grow best?
Blueberry bushes grow best in well-drained soil in full sun locations. Although Blueberries thrive in sunny conditions, they can also tolerate partial shade.
Remember to keep raccoons out of your garden if you expect the best growth.