Chandler Blueberry Bush

Where to Plant

• Sunlight: Give this bush at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to ensure the heaviest fruit set and sweetest berries. While it tolerates partial shade, you will notice fewer blooms and leggy growth if the plant does not receive enough light.
• Soil: Blueberries are picky about their roots and require acidic, well-drained soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. If you have heavy clay or neutral soil, amend the planting area generously with peat moss or pine bark to lower the pH and improve drainage.

Watering Requirements

Since blueberries have shallow root systems, they need consistent moisture to establish their roots and plump up those massive berries. Water deeply once or twice a week, checking often to ensure the soil stays moist like a wrung-out sponge but never soggy. Inconsistent watering often leads to fruit drop or smaller berries, so apply a layer of mulch to help lock in essential soil moisture.

Pruning Tips

Plan to prune in late winter while the plant is still dormant to reinvigorate the bush for the growing season. Remove any dead or crossing branches first, then cut out the thickest, oldest canes right at ground level to encourage fresh shoots. This renewal process keeps the plant focusing its energy on the younger, more productive canes that produce the best fruit.

Fertilizer Needs

Feed your bush with an acid-loving fertilizer, such as those made for rhododendrons or azaleas, in early spring just as new growth begins to emerge. Avoid applying high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this pushes soft new growth that is easily damaged by winter frost.