blueberry cross-pollinator (more ?)

Thu May 26, 2011 8:39 am

I bought a blueberry bush before I did my homework. What little I have learned since then indicates that I will need more than one bush. True? I got more confused when I read the thread below about cross-pollinators. The variety I planted was Patriot. Should I also buy a different variety?

I'm not interested in a big crop. Just a treat for the kids each year. Blueberries don't really please my taste buds.

Thu May 26, 2011 8:45 am

I think I answered my own question when I read further down. Any further input would be appreciated, however.

Thu May 26, 2011 1:01 pm

More than one blueberry (of the same cultivar) may help some with pollination. More than one cultivar will also help with extending your season (beyond merely being a pollinator).

Knowing how acidic your soil is will also help. Lowland (the tall ones) blueberry likes a fair bit of humus around its feet. The addition of acidic things like peat or bark will not equal changing your soil PH.

Thu May 26, 2011 9:46 pm

Thanks, Tom. I mixed in some Holly Tone food for acid-loving plants when I planted. Maybe I'll test the soil ph after that gets dissolved. I should probably have a test kit for other stuff, anyway. I also have some MirAcid in the garage that I haven't used in years.

I think I'll get one more bush of a different cultivar.