Vaccinium corymbosum x angustifolium – Half-high, hybrid blueberries

General Information: Popular summer fruiting shrubs. Plant a variety of early, mid, and late-producing varieties for a long season of delicious blueberries. Blueberries are great for baking, fresh eating, a topping, such as on granola or ice cream, making jams and preserves; the possibilities are endless! Blueberries are also very high in antioxidants. These varieties are hybrids of low and high bush, often referred to as half-high blueberries. Maximum height is around 48″.

Cultivation details:  Amend the soil to be sure you have a pH between 4.0-5.5. Blueberries prefer a sandy or sandy loam, but as long as the pH is low enough, they will grow in most soil types. During fruiting season, you will need to net the shrubs to protect from birds, or use another deterrent such as Mylar Tape to scare birds. However, they also can be used as a plant to attract birds to your yard if you want to feed wildlife, blueberries attract various birds to the yard. Space rows 1-2′,  space individual plants 2-6′. Shrubs typically are spaced  4-6′, however for a privacy hedge 2-2.5′ is ideal. Mulching is highly beneficial and also allows you to slowly adjust soil pH if using pine needles or other acidic mulch, however, plants do not need mulching. Supplemental watering may be beneficial in years of drought and around fruiting time.

Growing Requirements: Amend soil to obtain a soil pH of 4.0 – 5.5, soil pH is crucial for optimal plant health. Full sun is preferred for maximum fruit production. Partial sun is also acceptable. Plant in USDA Zones 4-7. Plants prefer an organically rich, sandy-loam, well-draining soil, with adequate moisture, but not overly wet. Plants do not do well in soggy soil.