Powder Blue Blueberry
Vaccinium virgatum 'Powder Blue'
1807
Full Sun
Early Season
July
Great for fresh eating, pies, cobblers and desserts.
Sky blue
Juicy, greenish/white flesh
6-9
0º to 10ºF
Fast
6-8' Tall x 3-6' Wide
6' apart
Requires acid soil (4.5 to 5.5 pH). Adjust soil pH with powdered sulfur and iron sulfate. DO NOT use aluminum sulfate.
Self-fertile but requires cross pollination for maximum yield.
550
Rabbiteye variety bush. Produces a medium size, sky blue berry with firm flesh and sweet flavor. Low maintenance plant that tolerates spring frosts, heat and humidity.
Can be used as free-standing hedge or next to structure like a fence. Can be used as container grown plant. Highly ornamental in due to fall color.
Step 1. Select site with proper light and room for mature growth.
Step 2. Dig hole twice as wide and 1.5 times the depth of root ball.
Step 3. Remove plant from container by squeezing container and tilting plant. DO NOT PULL PLANT OUT OF CONTAINER!. Allow plant to slide out of container after squeezing. If plant is heavily rooted, gently 'scratch' the outer roots until loose. This will encourage a stronger and rapidly established root system to develop as the plant grows.
Step 4. Fill bottom of hole with loose soil and soil amendments (if necessary) so that the top of root ball is even with surrounding surface. Center root ball in hole. Backfill around the sides of the root ball with soil from hole or 50/50 mixture of soil and any recommended soil amendments such as peat moss, composted pine bark or compost soil mix. Tamp firm as you fill to remove air pockets.
Step 5. Mound remaining soil around perimeter of the hole as create a water holding area that it allow water to seep into soil around roots rather than run-off.
Step 6. Support the plant, if an upright growing variety, using a stake to prevent blowing over until roots are sufficiently establish (usually one year).
Step 7. Water thoroughly, allow water to seep in. Water regularly during the first year until roots are firmly established and as necessary to keep soil moist (not flooded). If soil is poor draining, water more frequently with less water as needed.
Use 4-3-4 or 2-1-1 slow release fertilizer. Top dress fertilize only (fertilizer on top of soil, not in it).
Keep moist until established then water regularly.
Prune tops back to 12-18" in fall after dormancy. Can be mulched in colder climates.
Consult horticulturist, extension agent or local nurseryman for recommendations for proper chemical or organic treatments for pests and fungal infections. Only use products that specify use on edible berry plants. Never use systemic chemicals during bloom, fruit set or harvest periods!