Blueberry bushes

[staceyshoe]

I've been researching blueberry bushes with the plan to prep my soil (get the PH right) this year and purchase bushes next year.  I'm considering getting 2-5 bushes.  One question I can't seem to find the answer to:  If I get a plant with an earlier harvest and one with a later harvest, will that work for cross-pollination?  Or do I need to get two plants that will be blooming and then producing at the exact (or close) time?

[heatherdeg]

With rare exception, cross-pollination is not required for blueberries to produce--it will just produce larger fruit that ripens earlier.  This is per "The Backyard Berry Book" by Stella Otto.

FWIW, I had two that didn't produce at the exact same time, but probably closer than what you're talking about.  I'm thinking they must've flowered in some overlapping timeframe.

[ABO Mama]

You may want to consider getting the bushes this year, and keep them in a big pot that alreay has the correct soil, and then putting them in the ground next year.  It takes a while to get a good harvest, and this may give you a jump start.

[<3mymom]

Originally Posted by ABO Mama 

You may want to consider getting the bushes this year, and keep them in a big pot that alreay has the correct soil, and then putting them in the ground next year.  It takes a while to get a good harvest, and this may give you a jump start.

I agree with that, especially if you have a somewhat sheltered place you could put the pots for the winter.

[RoamingWidgeteer]

I love blueberries and have somehow ended up with 7 different kinds in various pots on my porch (darn those nursery sales). From my experience, I'd suggest getting many different kinds - some are great fresh,some shine in baking, others freeze well, and you can extend the harvest too. Fall Creek Nursery has a lot of good information.