Blueberries

Start from seed: Not recommended

Optimum soil pH for planting: 4.5-5.5

Plant seedlings: Late autumn to early spring

Plant spacing: 1-1.5 meters

Days to maturity: 2-3 years to first harvest

Introduction

Blueberries (Vaccinium species) are a delicious and nutritious berry growing on perennial shrub that can thrive in Canberra’s climate when given the right conditions. Native to North America, blueberries have become increasingly popular in Australia since their introduction in the 1970s. With proper care, a well-established blueberry plant can be productive for up to 20 years, yielding several kilograms of fruit each season.

Site and soil

Blueberries can be successfully grown in Canberra with careful variety selection and site preparation. Their natural habitat is a bog which explains why they love wet, acid environments with high levels of organic matter. These specific soil requirements must be met for successful growth.

Choose a warm, sunny position, ideally north-facing, that receives at least 6 hours of full sun per day. Some afternoon shade can be beneficial during Canberra’s hot summers. The site should be protected from strong winds, which can damage plants and reduce fruit set.

Blueberries require acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5, which is more acidic than most Canberra soils. Test your soil pH before planting. If your soil pH is above 5.5, you’ll need to acidify it by adding elemental sulphur at approximately 300g per square metre, thoroughly incorporated. Allow several months for the sulphur to effectively lower the pH. Test the soil again before planting. Another application of sulphur may be required

The soil should be well-drained with high organic matter content. Prior to planting, incorporate acidic organic materials such as acidic compost or aged leaf mould. Test material for pH prior to using them. Avoid using manures, mushroom compost as these typically have a pH that is too high for blueberries.

For pots or containers, use a high-quality potting mix designed for acid-loving plants such as azaleas and camellias. Container-grown plants will require more frequent watering and may need occasional repotting as they grow.

For details on preparing soil and pots, including the use of lime, dolomite, gypsum and fertilizers, please refer to the COGS guide to garden bed preparation.

Planting Seeds and Seedlings

Unlike many other fruit-bearing plants, blueberries are not typically grown from seed, as seeds rarely produce plants true to the parent variety. Instead, purchase established plants from reputable nurseries, which are usually sold as 1–3-year-old specimens in pots.

The best time to plant blueberries in Canberra is late autumn to early spring. This gives plants time to establish their roots before the onset of summer.

When planting, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. Mix the soil from the hole with some acidic compost and 200grams of complete organic fertiliser. If drainage is an issue make a mound of this soil/compost mix in the bottom of the hole. Gently remove the shrub from its container, loosening the roots if they appear circled or compacted. Place the bush in the hole or over the mound gently spreading the roots over the mound, ensuring the plant is at the same soil level as it was in the pot. Ensure that the graft union (if present) remains above soil level. Backfill with the soil/compost mix, gently pushing it around the roots to eliminate air pockets.

For poorly draining soils consider planting on a mound, in raised beds or in pots. 

After planting, water thoroughly and apply a 5-10cm layer of acidic organic mulch such as lucerne or aged leaf mould, around the tree, keeping it away from the trunk to prevent collar rot. Water regularly to establish the root system, particularly during dry periods. Recommended watering rate is 10 litres per plant, three times a week during summer.

Plant blueberry bushes approximately 1-1.5 meters apart, depending on the variety’s mature size. If planting multiple rows, space them 3-4 meters apart to allow good air circulation and access for harvesting.

Cultivation

After planting, blueberries require regular care to establish and produce well. In the first year or two after planting, remove all flower buds to prevent fruiting. This directs the plant’s energy toward developing a strong root system and vegetative growth rather than fruit production.

Since blueberries are cold-hardy plants, especially the Northern Highbush varieties, they can generally tolerate Canberra’s winter conditions without special protection. However, if late spring frosts occur when plants are flowering, cover plants with frost cloth to protect the blossoms. Container-grown Southern Highbush varieties may benefit from being moved to a more sheltered position during severe frost events.

Watering: Blueberries have shallow, fibrous root systems and require consistent moisture, especially during fruit development. Water deeply three times per week during the growing season, more frequently during hot weather. The recommended amount of water is approximately 10 litres per plant, three times a week during summer. Obviously, the watering regime is variable depending on rainfall and other climatic variables. Avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risk; drip irrigation is ideal. Ensure soil doesn’t become waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot.

Fertilising: Use slow-release complete organic fertiliser at planting. Only use gypsum to supply calcium. Lime and dolomite will increase the pH so should be avoided. Thereafter, apply a slow-release complete organic fertiliser in spring when new growth appears. Use at half the recommended rate as blueberries are sensitive to over-fertilisation. Avoid fertilisers containing nitrate nitrogen; choose those with ammonium nitrogen instead. Complete organic fertilisers based on chicken manure with trace elements satisfy these criteria and work well with blueberries. 

A monthly foliar spray with seaweed solution; a mix of worm juice, seaweed and compost tea; or trace elements will help boost growth and resilience to pests and diseases.

Yellowing leaves between green veins (chlorosis) often indicates iron deficiency due to incorrect pH. If this occurs, check soil pH and correct this before adding any iron amendments. If iron is required a foliar spray is most effective.

Mulching: Maintain a 5-10cm layer of acidic mulch. Renew mulch annually, preferably in autumn. Keep mulch several centimetres away from the stem to prevent collar rot.

Pruning: For the first 2-3 years, minimal pruning is needed apart from removing weak or damaged wood. From year 3 onwards, prune annually in late winter while the plant is dormant. Annual pruning is essential for maintaining plant vigour and ensuring good fruit production.

When pruning, remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Remove approximately 1/4 of the oldest stems each year, cutting them at ground level to encourage new growth. Thin out crowded or crossing branches to improve air circulation and light penetration. Remove any low branches that touch the ground to prevent disease, and remove any spindly or twiggy growth on the ends of fruiting stems.

Remember that blueberries produce the best fruit on branches that are 2-4 years old. The goal of pruning is to maintain a good balance of these productive branches while encouraging new growth for future harvests.

Harvesting

Depending on variety, blueberries typically ripen from December through February in Canberra. Northern Highbush varieties usually ripen earlier than Rabbiteye varieties. Fruit on each bush ripens over a period of several weeks, requiring multiple pickings for a complete harvest.

Newly planted blueberry bushes should not be allowed to fruit in their first year, and production will be light in years 2-3. Full production is usually reached by years 5-7.

Harvest berries when they are fully blue with a slight whitish bloom and detach easily from the stem. For best flavour, wait 1-2 days after berries turn fully blue before picking. Taste test a few berries to determine optimal ripeness.

To harvest, gently roll ripe berries between thumb and forefinger; they should detach easily if ripe. Pick berries individually to avoid damaging unripe fruit. Harvest in the cool of the morning when fruit is dry. Place harvested berries directly into a shallow container to minimise damage.

Refrigerate harvested berries promptly but do not wash until just before eating. Properly stored, fresh berries will keep for approximately 1-2 weeks. Blueberries freeze exceptionally well: lay them in a single layer on a tray to freeze, then transfer to containers or bags for longer storage.

Problems

The best approach is to have a reliable Australian reference book to identify problems. Garden Pests, Disease and Good Bugs by Denis Crawford is recommended.

A general strategy to follow with any problem is to observe the plant carefully before taking action. Identify the problem then carefully consider the course of action. For example, with pest insects, you often can see a predator nearby. If you watch and wait the predator may deal with the problem for you. Beneficial predatory insects which feed on pest insects can be purchased from suppliers such as Bugs for Bugs. If the problem needs further action the above recommended book has suggestions. 

Cultural practices that help minimize pest and disease problems include maintaining good air circulation through appropriate pruning, harvesting all fruit to prevent pest buildup, and ensuring adequate nutrition without excessive soluble nitrogen.

There are numerous pests and diseases that can affect blueberries, though they are generally considered less problematic than many other fruit crops. The best approach is to maintain healthy plants through proper site selection, soil preparation, and regular care, as strong plants are better able to resist pests and diseases.

Here are some common issues with blueberries in Canberra:

Birds: The most significant “pest” for blueberry growers. Netting is essential once berries begin to form. Install wildlife safe netting before the berries start to ripen to prevent birds from accessing the fruit.

Aphids: These small sap-sucking insects can transmit celery mosaic virus. They often cluster on the undersides of leaves, causing distortion and stunting. Small populations can be controlled by washing them off with a strong stream of water or using insecticidal soap. Alternatively, neem oil or pyrethrin can be used. Beneficial predators like ladybugs and lacewings should be encouraged and can be purchased for release on the crop. Look for aphid mummies which are evidence that the aphid has been parasitised. Eggs can also be parasitised and will appear bronze in colour. Generally speaking, plants that are high in soluble nitrogen (nitrates and ammonia) are prone to attack by sap sucking insects. Ideally avoid using soluble nitrogen fertilisers and ensure plants have adequate trace 

Scale Insects: Look for ants, which often indicate scale presence. These small insects attach to stems and branches, sucking plant juices. Horticultural oil can be effective for control.

Caterpillars: Various species may feed on leaves. Handpicking or organic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) sprays can control them. Inspect plants regularly during the growing season.

Thrips: Tiny insects that can damage flowers and developing fruit. Symptoms include curled leaves and distorted growth. Use insecticidal soap if populations are high.

Powdery Mildew: White powdery coating on leaves, typically in humid conditions. Improve air circulation through pruning and avoid overhead watering. Severe cases may need treatment with a fungicide approved for organic use.

Blueberry Rust: While more common in NSW and Queensland, it can occasionally appear in Canberra. Symptoms include reddish spots on upper leaf surfaces and yellow-orange pustules underneath. Copper-based fungicides can help manage this disease if detected early.

Root Rot (Phytophthora): Occurs in poorly drained soils. Symptoms include wilting despite adequate water and general decline. Prevention through good drainage is the best approach. Plants affected by root rot rarely recover.

Leaf Spot: Various fungal leaf spots can occur in wet conditions. Most can be managed through good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.

Recommended Varieties

If planting multiple varieties for cross-pollination which is recommended, ensure they are of the same type (Highbush, Southern Highbush, or Rabbiteye). Northern Highbush and Rabbiteye varieties, which require cold winter temperatures perform well in the Canberra region.

Northern Highbush Varieties:

• Blue Rose: Compact plant (1m x 1m) producing prolific crops of large, tasty berries from late December to late January. Excellent for smaller gardens.
• Brigitta: Grows 1-2m tall and 1m wide. Heavy crops of large, sweet berries during December and January. Good cold hardiness.
• Denise: Vigorous grower reaching about 1.5m. Reliable producer in Canberra’s climate.
• Northland: Classic variety with large, flavourful berries. Known for its cold hardiness, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
• Bluecrop: Popular variety known for its large, flavourful berries and ability to thrive in a range of climates. Good disease resistance.

Rabbiteye Varieties:

• Powderblue: Hardy variety with good cold tolerance. Flowers later than some varieties, which can help avoid late spring frosts.

Southern Highbush Varieties: While Southern Highbush types generally prefer warmer climates, some can perform adequately in Canberra with proper winter protection:

• Sunshine Blue: Early-ripening variety with large, sweet berries. More compact variety suitable for container growing.

References

References

1. Heritage Nursery. Growing Blueberries in Canberra [Internet]. Canberra ACT; 2023. Available from: https://heritagenursery.com.au/pages/growing-blueberries-in-canberra
2. Berries Australia. Varieties – Blueberries Australia [Internet]. 2024. Available from: https://berries.net.au/home/about/blueberries/varieties/
3. Glowinski, Louis, The Complete Book of Fruit Growing in Australia. Lothian Publishing, Melbourne, 1991.
4. Johnny’s Selected Seeds. How To Grow Blueberries From Bare-Root Plants [Internet]. 2024. Available from: https://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/fruit/blueberries/blueberries-key-growing-information.html
5. Strik BC, Finn C. Growing Blueberries in Your Home Garden [Internet]. Oregon State University Extension Service; 2025. Available from: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/ec-1304-growing-blueberries-your-home-garden
6. Department of Primary Industries, NSW. Blueberry rust [Internet]. 2023. Available from: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/plant/insect-pests-and-plant-diseases/blueberry-rust