Blueberries are small fruit shrubs that have been bred and adapted to grow successfully across most of the country. They grow in Arkansas across the whole state. However, there are many varieties of blueberries, each adapted to different climatic conditions, so it's important to choose varieties that do well in your region. Across Northern Arkansas and Central Arkansas, we seem to have the most success with Northern highbush varieties, and a couple of Southern highbush varieties. Across Central and Southern Arkansas, Southern highbush and Rabbiteye varieties are your best choices.
Blueberries aren't just delicious; they're also extremely healthy. The berries are rich in antioxidants and micronutrients that support overall health. Right now, we're keen to do as much as we can to help our bodies and immune systems, so starting a blueberry patch at home is a no-brainer! When you're getting ready to plant your own, here are a few guidelines to make sure you set them up for success.
Before you go out to buy your blueberry plants, it's a good idea to test your soil first. Try to do this around six months before you're going to plant, in case you need to amend the soil. Blueberries prefer more acidic soil, about 5-5.4 pH. You can visit us, take advantage of our online store, or order curbside delivery to pick up a test kit from one of our garden centers. If your soil is not within the right pH range, and you're not sure how to amend it, we can help you. Give us a call, and based on your soil test results, we'll help you figure out the best way to amend your soil and how much amendment to apply.
Blueberries are bred to be hardy for our area, but they still don't love frost. They'll do best on high ground if possible, or in a raised bed with good drainage.Make sure that blueberry plants are not planted too deep. Bare root plants should be planted with the crown of the plant just level with the top of the soil, and potted varieties should be planted in a hole that is the same depth as the pot, so the crown of the plant is as the same height as it was in the pot.
While they need good drainage, blueberries also need consistent watering. Blueberries have shallow root systems, and in hot weather may need up to 6 gallons of water per day! Especially when they're young, blueberries need consistent water to establish themselves. Highbush blueberries can quickly die from getting too dry on hot summer days, so its best to set blueberries up with a drip irrigation or soaker hose system. Mulch will help to limit evaporation, but proper watering is still necessary.
Blueberries can be planted in fall or spring, but it's most important to make sure they are planted as soon as possible after purchase, kept well protected from drying out or freezing. Water immediately after planting to make sure the roots don't get dry.
Pruning your blueberry bushes, especially in the first few seasons, is essential to developing plants that produce a hearty crop of berries every year.In the first and second growing season, you should remove the largest flower buds at the tips of branches. This will encourage the plant to develop more strength.In the second season, you'll want to shape the plant, removing low or weak branches and cutting back any excessively tall twigs. It's also a good idea to thin out the center of the plant a bit to ensure proper air circulation and light penetration into the center of the plant.
There are four varieties of Northern Highbush blueberries that will grow well here in Northwest Arkansas.
This Northern Highbush blueberry features large berries and is consistently productive. They can sometimes overproduce if they aren't appropriately pruned, which means the berries will be smaller and less flavorful. Blue Ray has excellent flavor, ready for harvest about mid-season, and is an upright-spreading variety that grows quite vigorously.
Blue Crop is similar to Blue Ray, delivering an abundant harvest and excellent flavor. It can also overproduce if not pruned properly. Blue Ray berries are ready for a mid-season harvest.
Duke blueberries are a reliable and consistent producer. They're an early-season variety, with an upright and fairly open growing habit.
Ozark Blue is technically a Southern Highbush, but it does do well here Northwest Arkansas as well. It blooms a bit later in the season but is still ready for a mid-season harvest. It delivers a robust harvest and is consistent year to year.If you'd like to add a blueberry patch to your yard this season, call and have a chat with the experts at one of our garden center locations. We'll help you determine the best variety, the best location in your yard, and offer care tips to ensure your blueberry patch is successful.
