Use and Care Manual

USE & CARE MANUAL
POWDER BLUE BLUEBERRY
(Vaccinium ashei 'Powder Blue')
PLANTING GUIDE:
Blueberries require acid soil (pH 4.5-5.5). If you are in doubt about the acidity of your soil, take a
sample to the Cooperative Extension Agent in your county for testing. Blueberries will not grow in soil
with a pH above 5.5. Adjust soil acidity as necessary with powdered sulfur and iron sulfate. DO NOT
USE ALUMINUM SULFATE, as this material is toxic to blueberries. In the area you plant your
blueberries, it is advisable to till in some form of acidic organic matter, like ground rotted pine bark or
oak leaves.
STEP 1) First, decide on a planting location. Consider carefully what kind of sun, soil, and growing-space
your tree or shrub will need.
STEP 2) Once you've located the perfect spot, the hole you are digging must be at least double the width
and as deep as the root system you are planting.
STEP 3) The top of the root system should be level with the ground. Before placing the tree or shrub in
the hole, use your hands to gently break up the root system.
STEP 4) Once the tree is in place, backfill the hole with native soil and any leftover potting material.
STEP 5) Pack down the soil to eliminate any air pockets.
STEP 6) When finished, water thoroughly.
PLANTING CARE:
Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Keep an area approximately 4 feet in diameter around
the bush clear of grass and weeds to minimize competition for water and nutrients. Mulch in spring and
fall with approximately 4-6 inches of acid mulch (pine bark, oak leaves). Pull mulch a couple of inches
away from the trunk for good air circulation. Do NOT mulch with mushroom compost.
Routine pruning of blueberries is unnecessary until plants are 3 years old. During this time, remove
dead, damaged or diseased limbs. Cut any leggy growth so the plant will bush up. Make all cuts flush
with the limb or the next largest branch. Do not leave stubs. For established rabbiteye blueberries,
approximately one quarter of the oldest canes are pruned each year to encourage cane renewal. Three
to four year-old canes have maximum fruit production, declining with age. Blueberries can be lightly