Home » Misc » How to grow blueberry seeds

How to grow blueberry seeds


Blueberry Guide

New Account | Seed Mix | Gift Certificates |AAS Winners | Gardening Products SEEDS: Unusual | Annuals | Perennials | Vegetables | Herbs | Trees

Find your zone using Garden Web's Zone Finder

Growing Blueberries From Seed

Blueberries can be grown from seed very easily, but you do need to follow these instructions very closely. Best results are obtained if started inside in late winter or early spring, but they will germinate anytime of the year provided they are given ample light and warmth. Plant the seeds in a flat or tray of Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss, or the Premium Concentrated Seed Starting Mix we offer, either will work fine, but we do not recommend using anything else. Make sure the tray is at 3 inches deep for root development. Sprinkle the seed onto the top of the peat moss, and barely cover seeds with a very light ( 1/8-1/4 inch ) sprinkle of peat moss. The tray should be placed in an area that is warm, with bright light and the peat moss must be kept moist. If fungus develops on the surface of the moss, spray with any type of garden fungicide to control it.

Blueberry seeds are slow germinators, the first seeds will probably start to germinate in about a month, and finish germinating over the next 2-3 months. Leave the new seedlings in the peat moss until they are about 3 inches tall, then transplant into individual pots, being very careful not to damage the tiny root systems. Feed young plants with a weak solution of Miracle Gro Acid Plant Food, feed monthly and raise them in small pots until they are about 8 inches tall, then transplant into one gallon pots. Transplant 1-2 year old seedlings outside in the fall.

Plants will start producing berries when about 2 years old, but will not mature and offer maximum berry yield until they are about seven years old. In order for blueberry plants to produce berries the soil pH needs to be between 4.5 - 5.2. Soils not within the range of pH acceptability for blueberry plant growth must be prepared before planting. If the pH is too high, the growth of the plant is slowed and the foliage turns yellow. If the pH is too high for an extended period of time, the plants will die. When several plants are to be grown together, more satisfactory results will be obtained if an entire bed is prepared rather than digging holes for individual plants. With the lowest soil pH requirement of all berries, blueberries grow in the same acidic conditions that please other native shrubs such as rhododendron and azaleas. If the pH of the soil is between 5.5 and 7.0 and the texture is sandy to sandy loam, the following method can be used. Mix 4 to 6 inches of acid peat into the top 6 to 8 inches of soil. In addition to acidifying the soil, the peat increases the soil organic matter content. In addition to adding peat, you can also add pine needles or untreated pine wood shavings or bark to the soil. The pine needles and wood shaving are very acidic and will assist in lowering the pH level of the soil.

Soils with a pH greater than 7.0 will require higher rates of acidifying amendments and are not recommended for blueberries. If your soil pH is higher than 7.0 consider planting blueberries in a raised bed or a large container. Planting blueberry plants in a raised bed allows you to instantly achieve the correct soil pH by the amendments that you add.

Blueberries require adequate water, especially the first year that they are planted, to properly establish a good root system. During the growing season, blueberry plants typically require 1" of water per week

Seeds

FDR97 Highbush Blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum

A deciduous medium to large multi-stemmed sized shrub that can grow to 10 feet tall, but normally in the 7-9 feet range. The flowers bloom from May to June. The blooms are typically numerous and somewhat showy. The highbush blueberry fruits are small (1/3 inch), dark blue and covered with a white film. The berry ripens in mid to late summer. The fruits are sweet and delicious. For this tree the ideal soil is moist, high in organic matter and well-drained. It prefers an acidic soil (4.5 to 5.5). The blueberry tree likes to have mulch around the roots and full sun to partial shade. More sun translates into more into more blooms, more fruit and enhanced fall foliage color. Hardiness zones: 3-9 Pre-stratified seeds need to be planted immediately upon receipt.

  50mg Package ( about 100 ) seeds $5.95

Return to Main Seed Menu

Contact Us | Privacy Policy | About Us
Serving gardeners since 1992
State of Mississippi Seedmen's Permit #C-391, Ohio 90152, Minnesota 20086777

How to grow blueberries – from cuttings or seed

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Once you know how to grow blueberries, you’ll be planting bushes wherever you have a gap. These attractive shrubs are compact, so can be grown in containers if desired, and yield ambrosian fruit that is so much more than a breakfast staple.

Blueberries are low-maintenance plants, but do require the right conditions to grow. Get it right and you will be rewarded with a homegrown superfood that is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and disease-fighting phytoflavinoids.

While you will be blessed with ripe berries for only a few short weeks in the summer, the pleasure of picking and eating them will make it all worth the effort. So make space for blueberries in your kitchen garden ideas.

‘Blueberries are truly the luxury goods of the fruit world. They are famously acid loving, meaning that they must be grown in ericaceous compost that has a suitable pH or else they will sulk,’ says Alys Fowler in her book Eat What You Grow .

Good blueberry varieties to try are Duke, Spartan, Bluecrop, Bluegold, Top Hat, North Country, and Pink Lemonade.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

How to grow blueberries

'Blueberries are easy to grow in acidic compost,' says gardening expert Leigh Clapp. The soil or potting mix should be at pH of 5.5 or lower. If you aren’t sure of your soil type, then invest in a test kit.

A good indication is if you already have acid-loving plants thriving in your garden, such as rhododendrons, azaleas and pieris. 

You can plant blueberries at any time of year, as long as the ground isn't frozen, though spring and fall are best. 

'Plant blueberries in a sunny, sheltered spot – though they are tolerant of shade,' adds Clapp. They ideally need sunlight for at least half of the day.

Dig a hole just a little larger than the pot the plant was supplied in. You shouldn't add manure to the potting hole, as it is too alkaline, but can add ericaceous compost to help improve the soil. Firm in and water well.

Keep the plants well watered in the spring and summer, which is when the flowers and fruit are forming. Try to use rainwater exclusively, and only switch to tapwater when the water butt is empty, as it is too alkaline.

‘Feed with a rhododendron fertiliser,’ says Clapp. However, blueberries are sensitive to over-feeding, so do this only occasionally.

Blueberries can be grown as individual plants, but will crop better if they are able to cross-pollinate, so ideally you should plant another, different variety, close by.

(Image credit: Nicole Tarasuk/Unsplash)

How to grow blueberries from cuttings

Growing blueberries from cuttings is the most reliable method of propagation – aside from buying young plants. 

Depending on the species, blueberries have either deciduous or evergreen leaves. Deciduous varieties – which shed their leaves in the fall – can be propagated from either softwood cuttings in late spring or semi-ripe cuttings in the summer. Evergreen blueberries should only be propagated from semi-ripe cuttings, taken in the summer. 

If in doubt, assume the plant is evergreen and take your cuttings in the summer. It’s best to take a few cuttings, to increase your chances of success.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

How to grow blueberries from seed

Growing blueberries from seed isn't difficult but requires patience, as the seeds take a long time to germinate, and it will be a while before you have any fruit. 

The plants do not grow true from seed, so may not resemble the parent plant, but that makes it a fun experiment as you might just propagate a uniquely delicious variety.

For best results, buy reliable seeds from a nursery. However, you can extract them from blueberries with a little effort, and sow them indoors at any time of year.

(Image credit: Melanie Griffiths)

How to grow blueberries in pots

Unless you have acidic soil, you will need to grow blueberries in pots filled with ericaceous compost. They make a valuable addition to container vegetable garden ideas.

Blueberries tend to be compact bushes and grow very well in pots. You will need a pot with a diameter of at least 12 inches, which should accommodate the plant for at least a couple of years.  Add broken crockery at the bottom of the container to enable drainage.

'Don’t let it out-grow the space – re-pot into a slightly larger size after a couple of years,' says gardening expert Leigh Clapp.  

'Blueberries are self-fertile so why not have a couple in containers that fruit at different times with different flavors?'

How to look after blueberries

Blueberries are fairly low-maintenance plants, but do require regular watering and occasional feeding – around once a month for container plants, and 2-3 times a year for those grown in the ground. 

Where possible use rainwater to water your blueberries, as tap water will raise the pH level of the soil. 

Blueberries require little pruning, but need an occasional trim after they are a couple of years old. ‘A good bush should have one third old, one third middle aged and one third young stems,’ says Fowler. 

‘Prune out anything that is dead, diseased, weak or twiggy, or any stems that are touching the ground. Remove a quarter of the oldest growth of mature plants to rejuvenate the plant.’

Mulch blueberry plants in the spring using composted bracken, pine needles or leaf mould, or use ericaceous compost.

Blueberries don't tend to struggle with pests or disease, but get rid of aphids and keep an eye out for powdery mildew. 'Birds also enjoy blueberries, so cover with a net as the fruits start to color,' says Clapp.

How to harvest blueberries

(Image credit: Getty Images)

You can harvest blueberries in mid to late summer, once the berries have turned from green to a deep blue-purple. The fruit should easily pull away when ripe with a gentle tug and twist. 

The berries will ripen gradually, so pick over the plant every few days.

What is the best way to grow blueberries?

The best way to grow blueberries is to plant young shrubs in acidic soil in either the ground or containers.

The best way to propagate them is through softwood or semi-ripe cuttings. This method is more reliable and easier than growing from seed, and will result in shrubs that match the parent plant.

Are blueberries easy to grow?

Blueberries are easy to grow, but success requires patience. The key thing is to plant them in acidic soil or ericaceous compost, and water regularly with rainwater until established.

How long does it take for a blueberry bush to produce fruit?

It takes around two years for a blueberry bush to produce fruit, and around four years before it will start cropping more heavily and reliably.

Where is the best place to plant a blueberry bush?

The best place to plant a blueberry bush is a sunny, sheltered spot. ‘Blueberries like sun or part shade, a sheltered position, no cold winds and well-drained by moisture-retentive soil,’ says Fowler.

As editor of Period Living, Britain's best-selling period homes magazine, Melanie loves the charm of older properties. I live in a rural village just outside the Cotswolds in England, so am lucky to be surrounded by beautiful homes and countryside, where I enjoy exploring. Having worked in the industry for almost two decades, Melanie is interested in all aspects of homes and gardens. Her previous roles include working on Real Homes and Homebuilding & Renovating, and she has also contributed to Gardening Etc. She has an English degree and has also studied interior design. Melanie frequently writes for Homes & Gardens about property restoration and gardening.

90,000 landing and cultivation at home

Content:

Blueberry is a particularly healthy and tasty berry, so a large number of gardeners willingly agree to plant one in their garden. The easiest way to do this is to use seedlings. In order not to buy them, you can sow the seeds.

Features of blueberry

As the description of blueberry in the scientific literature makes clear, the plant belongs to the Heather family. The optimum environment for this plant is a marsh environment with a low pH.

The blueberry bush begins to bear fruit approximately 3-4 years after planting. The plant has many varieties that differ in height, size and taste of berries, flowering and fruiting period. The bush begins to grow as soon as the air temperature rises to 7 degrees Celsius. If the street is more than 18 degrees with a plus sign, during the period of active growth, it can increase by 1 mm in just one night.

The root system of the crop may be skeletal or overgrowing. The plant is resistant to frost, but very sensitive to fluctuations in soil moisture.

Growing blueberries at home

Note: Blueberries are rich in useful microelements (iron, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium), vitamins (groups B, E, P, C, A) . That is why blueberries are often recommended for various diseases of the blood, digestive, urinary, vascular systems.

What blueberry planting material looks like

How to grow blueberries from seeds at home

Answering the question: what do all blueberry seeds look like, it is worth saying that outwardly they are very similar to buckwheat, however, they are very small in size. They have the same uneven, round or oval shape. The seeds are brown. Breeding of the plant can only take place if the seeds themselves are ripe. Therefore, they are taken out of overripe berries, the flesh of which is more like gruel. Planting material (seeds) is lightly washed and dried in a natural way.

Important! Their shelf life is 10 years. For long-term storage, blueberry seeds are placed in paper bags.

Propagation methods

How to grow thuja from seeds at home

Blueberry seeds can be planted immediately after harvest and proper preparation, in August. You can also use stratification technology. This is a simple procedure aimed at the most successful preparation of seeds for planting. Planting material should be placed in a container filled with wet sand or moss. So the seeds are aged for 3 months at a temperature of 3-5 degrees Celsius. Stratified seeds can be planted in the spring.

Outdoors

As soon as the snow melts outside and the ground is ready for the birth of new plants, blueberry seeds can be sown. If such a gardener collected in August-September last year, then they can be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 0 to +5 ℃. They are planted immediately in a permanent place, to a depth of about 1-1.5 cm. You can count on the appearance of sprouts as early as May-June.

First blueberry sprouts

Important! Blueberry seeds should be sown according to the needs of the variety. A mandatory process is the mulching of the earth with a mixture of peat or leaves, sawdust.

Greenhouse

Home grown blueberries grow fast from seeds. For the plant, you need to prepare suitable containers filled with earth. Seeds can simply be spread out on the surface of the earth, and covered with a thin layer of sand (up to 2 mm) or sawdust (4 mm) on top. After planting, the ground must be watered, and then covered with plastic wrap to ensure the greenhouse effect. Another option is to cover with glass and put in a sunny place.

Seedlings should appear in about 2-4 weeks. Noticing them, the film must be removed immediately. From time to time, seedlings need to be aired and watered. It is allowed to transplant a plant when at least 5-6 leaves appear on it. A plant can be planted for a permanent place of "residence" 2 years after sowing.

For which varieties is this reproduction

Growing raspberries from seeds at home

You can grow a blueberry bush with the help of seeds of the following varieties:

Soil preparation

Those who are thinking about how to grow blueberries from seeds at home should first of all take care of the right choice of soil. If the area is swampy, then the blueberry roots will quickly take root. The best option for blueberries, which will help them grow quickly, is a mixture of sand and peat.

At the bottom of the pit, where the seedlings will eventually fit, sprigs of conifers or wood chips fall asleep. Then spread a layer of peat with sawdust.

For mulching (filling the top layer) are perfect:

Important! Do not sprinkle ashes on blueberries, because such material reduces acidity, so the plant will not give the desired yield and will grow very slowly.

Germination

To make it easier to plant blueberries and germinate faster, some growers offer seed germination. To do this, the seeds of the plant are placed on a clean, damp cloth and kept there until they germinate.

After planting the plant, the container with it (greenhouse) is placed on the windowsill. Shoots from seeds at home appear after 1 month.

Agrotechnics

Important! The best result can be expected if blueberries are planted in accordance with the basic agrotechnical conditions. Like all blueberries, blueberries do best in acidic, moist soil.

The optimal size of the planting hole for a permanent place is 60 by 60 cm. The distance between the rows cannot be less than 2 m. roots and place the plant vertically in the hole.

Planting blueberries

It is allowed to cover the hole with soil brought from the forest or marshland. If necessary, you can slightly acidify the soil. For this purpose, vinegar dissolved with water (1 cup per 10 liters of water) or citric acid (3 tsp per 10 liters of water) is added to the pit.

The berries will be big if the bush is in a sunny place.

Care

Unlike forest blueberries, garden blueberries require proper care. A seedling never goes without watering. You also need to “water” the plant in case of dry weather, as well as during the period when berries appear.

Mulching should take place every spring. A layer of sawdust is best suited for this purpose. You can fertilize the plant with nitrogenous top dressings, however, not with organic fertilizers. Cultivation of the land around the bush is mandatory during the first 3-4 years of blueberry life.

Please note! Plant care will be incomplete if it is not systematically pruned. For a successful harvest, you need to do such work in the fall, when all the leaves from the bush have already fallen off. Old shoots are best removed when the plant is 6-7 years old.

Growing seedlings

Planting ordinary seedlings can take place almost throughout the growing season. In the spring, such work can be done as soon as the earth warms up a little, and there are no more night frosts.

If the seedlings have an open root system, they can be planted in April and October. The optimal planting depth is 6-8 cm deep. If the soil is heavy, the diameter of the planting hole should be greater than 65 by 65 cm, and the depth is slightly less than in the usual version - 5-6 cm.

“Cubic rot” can be added to the planting hole, as well as peat. Such additives contribute to the conservation of moisture, the optimal chemical composition of the soil. The blueberry root system becomes more developed.

0 0 votes

Article rating

Author:

Ivan Fedorovich Khromtsov

growing from seeds at home, picking, planting in the ground, using wild, purchased, description of popular varieties

Using blueberry seedlings is the best way to create a bed or plantation of beautiful berries. Blueberries from seeds will yield a crop only after 7-8 years. Planting seedlings will pay off in 2-3 years. The benefits and convenience are obvious.

Contents

Blueberry seed propagation

Growing blueberries from seeds is easier and more reliable than transplanting seedlings. However, not everyone wants to wait a long time for the harvest. First of all, blueberry seeds need to be selected from a variety of berry options. Choose the most ripe, tasty and large berries. After that, they are prepared for planting as follows.

  1. The berries are dried and put in a refrigerator or underground for the winter, providing a constant temperature from 0 to +5.
  2. In spring, as soon as the topsoil thaws, the seeds are sown to a depth of 1-1. 5 cm.
  3. The place where blueberries are planted with seeds must be mulched with a mixture of peat, sawdust and leaves.
  4. At the end of May or at the beginning of June, the first sprouts appear. They need to be watered and fed regularly.

Sowing with seeds should be carried out immediately based on the permanent placement of bushes. If their germination rate is low, sow new plants every spring. However, if you select and prepare the seeds yourself, then usually the germination rate is high, since the seed material is fresh. If you have to buy seeds, then take them in small lots from different sellers.

Seeds can be tested for germination before planting. Place them on a cloth, dampen it with water, and keep the seeds moist until they begin to sprout.

It is necessary to plant as soon as it becomes clear which seeds are alive. Too strongly germinated seeds may not have time to adapt in the soil. There is one negative side to such germination - the seeds need to be planted in warm soil. This means that planting should not be done in early spring, but only during the period when the soil finally thaws and everything begins to grow.

How to transplant blueberry seedlings (video)

Blueberry seedlings and where to get them

Blueberry seedlings are young bushes grown in plantations or greenhouses from seeds.

They are planted in open ground 2-3 years after sowing. Three-year-olds are the best option for the formation of future plantations.

There are 3 options for obtaining planting material: grow by yourself in a greenhouse from seeds, buy ready-made seedlings in multiplats (see photo), dig up wild bushes in nature. The optimality of such actions is determined by the capabilities and needs of gardeners.

Wild blueberry seedlings are more tolerant but yield much less. When growing seedlings at home, you can use the ability of blueberries to root renewal. Under natural conditions of growth on the moss cover of swamps, this plant quickly captures space with the help of horizontally spreading roots.

In the spring, when the blueberries begin to bloom leaves, young shoots from the roots will appear. They can be easily separated from the mother plant and transplanted to a new location. This must be done as early as possible. In the autumn, it is not advisable to carry out such a transplant, since the roots may not have time to grow. But such an escape, together with the root, can be transplanted into a pot and sent for wintering in a dark, cool place. In February-March, the future seedling is transferred to a warm, bright room. After the buds swell in such a bush, it can be planted in open ground.

These are all cheap and effective ways to establish blueberry plantations. However, if you want to have large bushes with bunches of berries like grapes, you need to buy varietal seedlings.

Popular varieties and their properties

Blueberries are distributed throughout the northern hemisphere. It grows in the taiga, tundra and mountains. Despite the ability to grow even in permafrost, it is quite possible to grow in fertile cultivated soil.

Cultivation of blueberries was first started in Canada and the United States of America. Now there are about 20 different varieties of this plant. Each nursery with blueberry plantations specializes in certain varieties, occupying its own specific niche in the market.

Among the whole varietal diversity, the following options can be distinguished.