Northern Highbush Blueberry Planting Guide
Large-berried blueberry type for cooler climates, with strong chill requirements and acidic soil needs
Flavor notes: Sweet-tart berry flavor; chill and heat tolerance vary by type.
Variety notes: Large berries for cooler climates with higher chill needs.
Best Time and Place to Plant Blueberry
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to April 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Northern Highbush Blueberry in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 45F to 70F, and enough room for 48 inches between plants and 96 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Not recommended to Not recommended | Varies |
| Zone 2 | Cold-hardy varieties only to Cold-hardy varieties only | Varies |
| Zone 3 | April 20 to May 20 | Varies |
| Zone 4 | April 10 to May 10 | September 15 to October 15 |
| Zone 5 | March 25 to April 25 | October 1 to November 1 |
| Zone 6 | March 15 to April 15 | October 10 to November 10 |
| Zone 7 | March 1 to April 1 | October 20 to November 30 |
| Zone 8 | February 15 to March 20 | November 1 to December 15 |
| Zone 9 | Low-chill varieties only to Low-chill varieties only | Varies |
| Zone 10 | Not recommended to Not recommended | Varies |
| Zone 11 | Not recommended to Not recommended | Varies |
| Zone 12 | Not recommended to Not recommended | Varies |
| Zone 13 | Not recommended to Not recommended | Varies |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: Plant 1- to 2-year bushes at pot depth in acidic soil; use two or more compatible cultivars for better yields.
- Spacing: 48 inches apart, 96 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 45F to 70F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: Keep shallow roots evenly moist; avoid drought during berry sizing
- Days to harvest: 75
Fertilization
- Acid-loving plant fertilizer synthetic: Apply in early spring at label rate for plant age
- Pine bark mulch organic: Maintain 2-4 inches over the root zone
- Elemental sulfur organic: Use only from soil-test guidance before planting
Companion Plants
- Strawberries
- Azaleas
- Thyme
- Pine bark mulch
Avoid Planting Near
- Brassicas
- High-pH soil plants
- Black Walnut
Harvest Signs
- Berries are uniformly blue with no red ring
- Fruit releases with a light roll of the thumb
- Flavor is sweet after several days of full blue color
- Clusters ripen over multiple pickings
FAQs
When should I plant Blueberry?
Blueberry planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to April 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Blueberry?
The best time of year to plant Blueberry is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 45F to 70F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to April 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Blueberry?
Plant Northern Highbush Blueberry in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 45F to 70F, and enough room for 48 inches between plants and 96 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Blueberry?
Plant Blueberry about 48 inches apart, with rows around 96 inches apart.
What grows well with Blueberry?
Blueberry is commonly paired with Strawberries, Azaleas, Thyme, Pine bark mulch.