When to Plant Blueberries?

When to Plant Blueberries? Everything You Need to Know

What are blueberries anyway?

Blueberries, also known as bilberries, are small, dark violet to blue berries that grow on a deciduous shrub. They're not only incredibly delicious, but also healthy. Many people want these berries in their garden or greenhouse, but wonder: when is the best time to plant them?

When is the right time to plant blueberries?

The perfect time to plant blueberries is in the fall, from October to December. During this time, the soil is still warm from summer, but there's plenty of moisture. This helps the roots establish well before the cold season really sets in.

You can also plant blueberries in early spring, from February to April. In that case, it's important to wait until the ground is free of frost. Ideally, choose a cloudy or even drizzly day so the plant experiences less stress from sunlight or dehydration during transplanting.

In open ground or in a greenhouse?

Blueberries thrive in open soil, as long as it's acidic enough (pH between 4.5 and 5.5). Plant them in a well-drained spot, sheltered from the wind but in full sun. A sheltered, south-facing garden edge is ideal.

In a greenhouse, blueberries have a little more protection from the elements. It's best to plant them in a large pot or tub with acidic potting soil, and ensure adequate ventilation. A greenhouse is useful if you live in an area with severe frost or very wet winters.

How do you prepare the soil?

Before you start planting, it's important to know what type of soil you have. Blueberries prefer acidic, well-drained soil. If your garden is on clay, you can improve the soil with peat, coco peat, or peat moss .

Good soil development is essential: avoid stagnant water, as blueberries are prone to root rot. For extra aeration, add perlite to your soil mix.

What should you pay attention to when planting?

Choose the right breed and location

There are several varieties of blueberries. Standard varieties are ideal for larger gardens, while low-growing varieties are also suitable for smaller spaces or potting. It's recommended to plant several varieties to promote pollination and extend the fruit harvest.

Plant them in a sunny spot with at least 6 hours of sun per day. Flowering usually begins in April, and the fruits are ready to harvest between July and September, depending on the variety.

Distance and depth when planting

Plant the shrubs with plenty of space between them—about 1 to 1.5 meters—so they can grow well. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball. Plant the plant at the same depth as it was in the pot, fill with acidic soil mix, and water well.

After planting, it's helpful to cover the soil with mulch (think pine needles or wood chips). This helps suppress weeds and maintain good moisture levels.

What about planting in a pot or raised bed?

If you're short on space, you can also grow blueberries in pots. Choose a large pot at least 30 cm deep and use special acidic potting soil . Potted plants dry out faster than those grown in open ground, so water regularly, especially during dry spells.

A repotting mat can be useful when repotting or creating raised beds — that's nice, mess-free gardening.

Combine with other plants

Blueberries thrive alongside other acid-loving plants like rhododendrons and heather. Strawberries also make good neighbors because they prefer the same soil conditions. If you're wondering when to plant strawberries , you can consult that blog post.

What after planting?

Water regularly in the first few weeks after planting, especially if there's little rain. You won't have much of a harvest in the first year, but the plant will develop strong roots. Prune only in the second year, in early spring. This encourages healthy growth and a good harvest.

Don't forget to give the plant some acidic compost or fertilizer annually. This not only helps prevent leaf yellowing but also maintains the correct soil acidity.

Need more plants to complete your garden?

Are you completely in plant mode? Perhaps these easy houseplants would also be something for your indoor jungle:

• A ZZ plant : strong, robust and loves neglect.
• The Sansevieria : almost indestructible, even in dark places.
• Or a Monstera Minima : trendy and easy to maintain.

For those who still have vegetable garden plans, our blogs can also help with questions such as when to plant garlic or when to plant beans .

Ready to plant your blueberries?

The right time to plant blueberries is closer than you think—whether you choose autumn or early spring. Ensure acidic, well-drained soil, keep them sunny, and water them well initially.

With a little patience and good preparation, you'll be enjoying handfuls of your own harvest in a few summers. Want to green up your interior too? Then be sure to check out our large houseplants or plants for beginners .

Let your garden and home shine — that's what makes us at De Plantrekkers really happy.