Blueberry fruiting buds are on the outermost 2-3 inches of the stems. Best Time Release Fertilizer Spike: Jobe's Azalea, Camellia & Rhododendron 04101 Fertilizer Spikes. Sulfur can also be applied after planting to the soil surface but not mixed with the soil. The diagrams below show growth of a single blueberry bush for the first three years, with "before" and "after" pruning comparisons each February. A previous study showed greater vigor in blueberry plants treated with phosphorous acid. A: Blueberries flower and fruit the heaviest on new limbs which grow horizontally. Left unpruned, blueberry bushes grow thicker crowns and roots. Use "premium grade" fertilizer if possible; this type contains secondary and micronutrients that may be needed. Lets tackle that first. Take care not to over water this species, especially in poorly drained soils. Pruning should be done during the dormant season. It may take a couple of years before your plant is fully fruiting, but with proper care and pruning, it will be worth the wait! Blueberry crowns soon after they were ground down to a height of several inches. Smaller one-handed pruners are used for finish work and for shaping young bushes. Published 27 April 23, The social media star has a 'sure-fire way' to spotless windows this springtime with minimal effort required. These old canes become unproductive; removing them opens up the center to air and light and stimulates new shoots that will bear the next years crop. It may seem counterproductive to trim off so many branches, especially when you see them covered with dormant flower buds, but theres no need to worry. You can find out what your soil pH is by taking a sample to your county Extension office. Spacing recommendations for growing blueberries range from 12 inches between plants for lowbush blueberries to 12 feet between saskatoons. A previous study showed greater vigor in blueberry plants treated with phosphorous acid. You may also notice that their berry productivity starts to wane over time. Are you hoping to increase fruiting productivity. Backfill with good topsoil and a small amount of thoroughly moistened peat moss. The soil's pH should be between 4.0 to 5.0. If you prune plants like this the first year, the second year won't need much . Horticulture. By the sixth year they will yield as much as 2 gallons each and continue to increase as the plants get larger.