Blueberry tree is a shrub that belongs to the heath family. It is native to North America and can be found in the eastern and northern parts of the continent. The blueberry tree grows to a height of 6-8 feet and has a spread of about 4-6 feet. The leaves of the blueberry tree are simple, alternate, and elliptical in shape with a serrated margin. The flowers are white and bell-shaped, and the fruits are blueberries.
Related plant:
Trimming Blueberry Bushes
About soil condition, blueberry tree need a well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. The soil should be sandy and have a pH of 4.5 to 5.5. If the soil is too alkaline, the blueberries will not be as tart.
Like the other blueberry plants, blueberry trees need full sun in order to produce the most fruit. If you are growing a blueberry tree in partial sun, it will still produce fruit, but it may not be as bountiful as if it were in full sun. Blueberry trees need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day in order to produce optimal fruit.
The temperature has a huge effect on blueberry trees. If it gets too cold, the tree will die. If it gets too hot, the tree will produce fewer berries. The ideal temperature for a blueberry tree is between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. The plant does not like to be too wet or too dry. If the plant gets too much water, the leaves will start to yellow and fall off. If the plant does not get enough water, the leaves will start to turn brown and fall off.
The fertilizer, this type of plant needs, is very important for its growth. The roots of the blueberry tree are very strong and can grow in different types of soil. However, the roots will not be able to grow properly if the fertilizer is not of good quality. Also, the blueberry tree needs a lot of water and the roots need to be kept moist.
Pruning blueberry trees is an important part of their maintenance. It helps to promote growth and keep the tree healthy. When pruning, it is important to remove any dead or diseased branches. It is also important to thin out the tree to allow more light and air to reach the fruit.
Propagation is best done by rooting softwood cuttings taken from the current season's growth. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from the tips of the branches. Cuttings should be taken from healthy branches that are not too woody. After taking the cuttings, remove the lower leaves and dip the ends in rooting hormone. The cuttings can then be planted in a rooting medium such as perlite, sand, or vermiculite. The rooting medium should be kept moist but not wet. The cuttings should root within 4-8 weeks.
Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the cultivar planted. The average growth rate of a blueberry bush is between 6 and 12 inches per year. However, some cultivars can grow up to 24 inches per year.
Common problems for this kind of plant are the infestation of aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests feast on the sap of the blueberry tree, which can eventually lead to the death of the tree. Another problem that blueberry trees face is the fungal disease known as anthracnose. This disease can cause the leaves of the tree to turn brown and fall off.
Source:
Blueberry - Plant Breeding Program - University of Florida
Blueberry Production for the Home Garden - Oklahoma State
Growing Fruit: Highbush Blueberries [fact sheet] - Extension
