Growing ‘Bountiful Blue’ blueberries is rewarding for home gardeners. This popular variety offers manageable size, consistent productivity, ornamental appeal, and delicious fruit. Understanding its specific needs ensures an abundant harvest.
Distinctive Features of Bountiful Blue
‘Bountiful Blue’ has several distinctive characteristics. It grows compactly, reaching 3 to 4 feet in height and width, making it suitable for small gardens or containers. Its foliage is a striking blue-green, turning burgundy in fall.
This variety produces an ample crop of large, sweet, juicy berries. Pink-blushed flowers emerge in early spring, leading to berry development in the mid-season, typically from June to July. ‘Bountiful Blue’ is self-fertile, but planting it with another blueberry variety often yields a more prolific harvest. It requires only 150-200 winter chill hours, broadening its adaptability. In milder regions, it can remain semi-evergreen.
Site Selection and Planting
Proper site selection and planting are crucial for ‘Bountiful Blue’ blueberries. Full sun exposure, at least six hours daily, is essential for optimal fruit production. In very hot climates, provide some afternoon shade.
Acidic soil with good drainage is vital for blueberry success. ‘Bountiful Blue’ thrives in a soil pH of 4.0 to 5.5, ideally 4.5 to 5.2. Test your soil before planting to determine pH and nutrient levels. If the soil pH is too high, it can be lowered by incorporating elemental sulfur, which works gradually, or by mixing in sphagnum peat moss.
Blueberries have fine, fibrous roots sensitive to deep planting. Set the bush at the same depth it was in its nursery container. Amend the planting hole with organic matter like compost or aged pine bark to improve soil structure and drainage. After planting, apply organic mulch, such as pine needles or wood chips, to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain soil acidity.
Ongoing Care
Consistent moisture is essential for ‘Bountiful Blue’ blueberries, especially during flowering and fruit development. Soil should remain moist but never waterlogged, as blueberries are susceptible to root rot. Water deeply and regularly, particularly during the first growing season, to encourage extensive root development. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses effectively deliver water to the root zone while keeping foliage dry, preventing fungal issues.
Fertilization for ‘Bountiful Blue’ should be tailored to its preference for acidic conditions. Fertilizers that provide nitrogen in the ammonium form, rather than nitrate, are preferred, as blueberries can be sensitive to nitrates. Products for acid-loving plants, like azalea or rhododendron fertilizers (e.g., 7-7-7 or 4-3-4 NPK), are suitable. Apply fertilizer as new growth begins in early spring, again six weeks later to support fruit development, and a third time after harvest to replenish vigor.
Pruning is an annual practice for plant health and productivity. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth. For the first two years, only remove dead, damaged, or weak branches. For mature bushes, maintain an open canopy by removing older, less productive canes (typically over 5-6 years old) and thinning weak growth. This encourages new, vigorous cane production, as blueberries fruit best on canes two to five years old.
While blueberries are resilient, they can face common pests and diseases. Good cultural practices like adequate sunlight, proper watering, and air circulation significantly reduce risks. For pests, use natural methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap. Severe fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew or botrytis, might require fungicides; remove infected plant material to limit spread.
Harvesting and Enjoying Your Berries
Harvesting ‘Bountiful Blue’ blueberries is simple once berries are ripe. A ripe berry is deep, uniform blue with a dull finish; shiny berries are under-ripe and lack flavor. Berries should also detach easily from the stem with a gentle roll.
‘Bountiful Blue’ berries ripen in stages, requiring multiple harvests over several weeks, typically from June through July. Pick frequently for peak flavor. Do not wash berries until just before consumption, as washing removes their natural protective “bloom” and reduces shelf life.
For immediate enjoyment, ‘Bountiful Blue’ berries are excellent fresh. They are also versatile for culinary uses, including baking into pies, muffins, or tarts, and incorporating into smoothies or preserves. To store longer, freeze unwashed berries in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to freezer bags or containers to prevent clumping.