What kind of blueberries grow best in Michigan?
High Chill Blueberries are the varieties that require extended cold to do well and are the ones we can grow in Michigan. Low chill are blueberries that need less cold and grow in southern states.
Can blueberries be grown organically?
Long-lived and dependable, blueberries are among the easiest fruits to grow organically.
When should I buy blueberry bushes?
Blueberries are typically ready for picking between June and August. Don’t rush to pick the berries as soon as they turn blue. Wait a couple days. When they are ready, they should fall off right into your hand.
Do blueberry bushes grow in Michigan?
Most of Michigan’s commercial blueberry production is located in southwest Michigan where sandy glacial soils and high water tables result in excellent blueberry soils. These soils are moist with soil pHs in the 4.5 to 5.5 range. Over 20 blueberry varieties are grown in Michigan.
Are blueberries hard to grow in Michigan?
In most of Michigan, blueberries are difficult to grow. The biggest reason is because of soil pH — how acidic or alkaline the soil is. Blueberries require soil that is very acidic, at 4.5 to 5.5. Most Michigan soils aren’t even close.
Where do blueberries grow best in Michigan?
Blueberries prefer full sun and moist but well-drained soil. They do especially well in southwest Michigan, where the high water table in combination with the sandy soil makes for ideal conditions, but they can grow elsewhere in the state with proper water management.
How do you grow blueberries commercially?
Blueberries have specific soil requirements and cannot be grown commercially on a wide variety of soils. Blueberries require an acid, well-drained soil. Soil pH should be in the range of 4.2-5.5. Advice and counseling on soil testing can be obtained from your county agent.
Are blueberries hard to grow?
Blueberry bushes are easy to grow, and don’t need much attention. The main thing to remember is that they need to be grown in acidic soil and ideally, watered with rainwater. If you don’t have acidic soil in your garden, blueberries grow very well in pots.
How long does it take for a blueberry bush to grow?
Highbush blueberry plants usually require six to eight years to reach full production and range from 5 to 8 feet high at maturity. Highbush blueberry plants usually require six to eight years to reach full production and range from 5 to 8 feet high at maturity.
How much space does a blueberry bush need?
Space and Plant Your Blueberries In most areas, it’s ideal to plant blueberries in the fall or spring. You can plant blueberry bushes as close as 2 or 2.5 feet apart to form solid hedgerows, or space them up to 6 feet apart so they grow individually. If you plant in rows, allow 8 to 10 feet between the rows.
When can I plant blueberry bushes in Michigan?
Plant bushes in late spring, and space them 3 to 4 feet apart. Blueberries need well-drained, acidic soil, and southwest Michigan has plenty of it. Blueberries prefer full sun and moist but well-drained soil.
What berries grow well in Michigan?
Some berries found in Michigan include brambles (raspberries and blackberries), blueberries, strawberries and juneberries.