Blueberry · last checked 2026-09-27
When to plant blueberries: fall or spring, acid soil
Blueberries are planted as bushes, not seeds, and the real timing question starts a year earlier: the soil has to be acid enough before they go in.
Each line names the Extension service it comes from and links to their page. Spacing depends heavily on blueberry type, so each service's figures are listed.
When to plant
- Illinois Extension says to test the soil before planting; the best pH is 4.8 to 5.2, and where sulfur is needed to lower it, it should be worked in at least a year ahead. Growing and Caring for Blueberries (Small Fruits for Home Gardens) · checked 2026-09-27
- Clemson Cooperative Extension says bare-root plants do best set out in late winter, February to March, as soon as the ground can be worked; November and December planting has worked on sandy soils and with potted plants. Blueberry (HGIC fact sheet) · checked 2026-09-27
Spacing
- Illinois Extension says to set plants six to eight feet apart in rows eight to twelve feet apart, no deeper than they grew in the nursery. Growing and Caring for Blueberries (Small Fruits for Home Gardens) · checked 2026-09-27
- Clemson Cooperative Extension says southern highbush plants need 4 to 5 feet in the row and 8 to 10 feet between rows; rabbiteye plants need 6 feet in the row and 10 to 12 feet between rows. Blueberry (HGIC fact sheet) · checked 2026-09-27
Harvest
- Illinois Extension says all flowers should be removed in the first two years so the plants build roots and shoots instead of fruit. Growing and Caring for Blueberries (Small Fruits for Home Gardens) · checked 2026-09-27
Further reading
- Growing Blueberries in Your Home Garden (EC 1304) (Oregon State University Extension). Link only: we no longer quote this page.
Unless a line says otherwise, weeks are counted from the average last spring frost where you live. Find that date through your state’s Extension service. See how these pages are put together.
Other crops: Broccoli, Garlic, Okra, Potato, Pumpkin, Strawberry, Sweet potato, Tomato.