Retail Blueberry Plants / Wholesale Blueberry Plants

     Several of my faithful customers have asked me about the proper care of blueberry plants they buy from me and then re-plant individually into gallon nursery pots for resale next year or later.  I encourage such behavior and advise the following:

1.The growing medium (potting soil) should be 4.3 to 5.6 in pH.

2.The growing medium that I recommend is milled pine bark but substitutions like peat moss or sawdust could be substituted in areas where milled pine bark is very expensive.

3.In the spring (April or May) lightly (i.e. LIGHTLY!!!) fertilize the pots with either 10-10-10 granular chemical fertilizer, 10-10-10 slow release fertilizer, or Miracle Grow Azalea Formula liquid fertilizer.  Azaleas are closely related to the blueberry, and their nutritional needs are similar.  If you gots the money, go with Miracle Grow.  You will be astounded by your results. 

4.In late May or June you may notice some stunting of your plants.  If you do, you may be experiencing disease of the fungal sort.  Spray your plants with a fungicide.   Check with your local extention agent or farm supply store for the best application in your area.  Organic producers may find additonal avenues.

5.Fertilize your plants every 2-3 weeks.

6.Apply fungicide every 4-5 weeks.

7.The plants will become dormant when the weather gets cold.  They should have grown a good 12" inches to 18" and will be considered 2 y.o. plant stocks. 

8.From late November through Mid-April they will remain dormant and will be best able to withstand the stress of transplanting into your field or garden. 

9.Make sure  your field or garden meets the requirements I spoke about in Long Range Planning ... 

     Hopefully, this information will get out and about everyone in the southern USA will have access to this wonderful fruit.  Look to my other blogs for additonal information on growing a blueberry garden or commercial blueberry farm.