Culture

• Blueberry bushes thrive in acidic soils with a pH between 4 and 4.5. For the best results, this plant should be placed where it receives full sunlight and plenty of rainfall. Before planting blueberry bushes, test the soil for acidification, then apply sulfur and fertilizer and test the soil a second time. This bush should be planted in soil with 4 percent to 7 percent organic matter. If this quantity of organic matter is not present, manure, leaves and grass clippings can be added to the soil.
  
  

Varieties

• There are many different varieties of blueberry bushes available, each with their own growth habits and fruit qualities. When growing blueberries, it is suggested that you plant a couple different varieties and allow for cross-pollination. Because each variety has its own ripening time, they can be harvested over a longer period of time if more than one variety are planted. Some of the popular varieties include Patriot, Northland, Bluecrop, Jersey, Nelson and Bueray.
  
  

Growth

• Height of the blueberry bush at maturity is determined by the variety of blueberry bush planted. Varieties are available with heights ranging from 12 to 48 inches and a spread of 24 to 60 inches. Each bush produces anywhere from one to nine pounds of blueberries annually. This bush does not start to produce fruit until its third growth season and does not reach full production numbers until its sixth season.
  
  

Uses

• Blueberry bushes produce small, edible seeds that are very popular at supermarkets and in food products throughout the United States. Blueberries are used for jelly, jam, pies, juice and various pastries. This nutritious fruit is low in both calories and sodium while providing fiber. The berries also contain nutrients that have been proven to inhibit cancer in laboratory studies. Blueberries have also been effective in preventing urinary tract infections while lowering cholesterol.
  
  

Problems

• Blueberries produced by blueberry bushes are very attractive to birds and other forms of wildlife. When growing this bush in a residential landscape, it is common to have the fruit of the bush eaten by local wildlife. In addition to problems caused by animals, blueberry bushes are susceptible to damage from tip borers, plum curculio, cranberry fruit worms, cherry fruit worms, powdery mildew, twig blights, botrytis blossom blight, leaf spots and cane gall.