Blueberry bushes are a popular choice for home gardeners, offering fruit and ornamental value. The cost of a blueberry bush is not a single fixed price, as it is determined by the plant’s size, age, variety, and the specific place of purchase. Understanding these variables helps determine the total investment required for a successful blueberry patch.
The Core Cost Breakdown
The price of a blueberry bush is directly proportional to its maturity and the time a nursery has invested in growing it. The least expensive option is a bare-root plant, typically a one or two-year-old dormant cutting sold without soil, often priced between $10 and $15 each. While economical, they take the longest to establish and begin producing a harvest.
A more common retail size is the 1-gallon container plant, which generally costs between $17 and $39 per bush. These plants are usually two to three years old, have a well-developed root system, and may yield a small amount of fruit in the first year after planting. For gardeners who want a quicker harvest, a 3-gallon or larger established bush is available for $40 to $79. Mature, bearing-age plants that are four or more years old can exceed $100. The higher price reflects that these larger plants can produce a significant crop much sooner, sometimes within the first season.
Factors Driving Price Differences
Beyond the size of the container, the specific genetics of the blueberry plant heavily influence the price. Varieties are broadly categorized into groups like Northern Highbush, Southern Highbush, and Rabbiteye, with climate-suited varieties often commanding a higher regional price. Certain new varieties are protected by plant patents, meaning the nursery must pay a royalty fee to the plant breeder for every bush sold. This royalty fee is built into the retail price, increasing the cost of these specialized varieties for the consumer.
The quality of the plant stock also contributes to the final price. Bushes certified as disease-free stock guarantee they are free from common blueberry viruses, but cost more to produce than non-certified plants. This certification is an investment in the long-term health and productivity of the plant, often justifying a higher initial purchase price.
Where You Buy Matters
The type of vendor you choose affects pricing and the total purchase experience. Large big-box stores and garden centers offer mid-range prices, with 1-gallon plants sometimes found on sale for $25 to $30, but their selection is often limited to the most common types. Local nurseries may charge slightly more, with a 1-gallon bush often priced closer to $35. However, they provide plants specifically chosen for the local climate and have expert staff available for personalized advice.
Purchasing from online specialty growers offers the widest selection of unique and patented varieties, often selling bare-root or smaller plants at competitive per-unit prices. However, buying online introduces a variable shipping cost that must be considered. Shipping charges for a small order of three plants can range from a flat rate of $15 to $30 or more, which significantly increases the final cost per plant.
Associated Costs of Establishment
The initial cost of the blueberry bush is only one part of the total expenditure necessary for successful cultivation. Blueberries require a highly acidic soil pH between 4.5 and 5.5 to thrive, meaning most gardeners must purchase soil amendments. An essential amendment is elemental sulfur, used to gradually lower the soil pH, costing around $10 to $25 for a small bag suitable for a home patch.
Another significant cost is the addition of acidic organic matter, such as peat moss or pine bark fines, which helps improve drainage and maintain soil acidity. A compressed bale of peat moss can cost between $25 and $40. Beyond soil preparation, protecting the harvest is necessary, as birds are highly attracted to ripening fruit. Investing in bird netting, which can cost $20 to $50 for a size adequate to cover a few mature bushes, is a practical expenditure.