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First blueberry bush

I would like to plant out (in a border, not a container) my first blueberry bush.  As a new gardener, it's the first time I've bought something like this and I see I can buy them in various "litre" sizes (e.g. https://www.thompson-morgan.com/p/blueberry-chandler/cww3179TM).  Is there any advantage to me going for the 3 litre over the 1.5 litre?  Will the larger size just mean it's a bit more established and attractive to look at (which I'm not bothered about) or will it affect how soon I get fruit and quantities thereof?

Thanks!
Mike

Posts

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    The bigger pot 'should' mean it's an older bush, but they don't actually say that it is.
    I've had plants before in bigger pots and they sometimes look as if they've been re-potted for about a week! Not saying that's the case with T&M

    I bought my blueberries from Trehane nurseries this time last year. The plants they sell are at least 3 years old and come in 2 or 3 litre pots. To get a good crop you should have 2 plants of different varieties.
    I got 400g from my Patriot, about 500g from OzarkBlue and about 2g from Herbert as the blackbirds had the rest! Very pleased as it's their 1st season.

    If you're planting in the ground, then your soil MUST be quite acidic for them to grow.
    Most people grow them in pots using ericaceous (acid) compost and a feed for acid-loving plants in the growing season. Ideally they should only be watered with rainwater.


    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • _MH__MH_ Posts: 16
    Thanks Pete.  Nice tip about Trehane - I like the fact that they specialise and so reckon I'll give them a go.  Also thanks for the info about getting 2 varieties - I think I'll try Chandler and Osorno to spread the harvest over a few months.

    My soil is acidic I believe and I also have plenty of pine needles to use as a mulch should the need arise.  My main problem will be finding a suitable sunny spot but that's my job for tomorrow!
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Best of luck!
    If you want to check your local soil conditions you can enter your postcode on this DEFRA site and It'll tell you.
    Blueberries like it around pH 4.5 to 5.5
    I thoroughly recommend Trehane - the plants they sent filled their pots with roots and I txplanted to 5L pots in the spring - they've more than doubled in size over summer, so looking forward to a bumper harvest next year. I use Miracle Grow Azalea feed for my bushes during the growing season.
    A friend has 3 huge bushes in 1/2 barrels and picked 14Kg this year!
    Some planting pointers from Trehane here.

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    You will also need several for cross polination, I have (had, lost one this year) an early mid and late, the Darrow is the best cropper.
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    I kept them inpots because when the fruit is almost ripe, they are moved into a fruit cage with the raspberries, and gooseberries, otherwise the ***** *birds eat the lot.
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