Highbush Blueberry
Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) is a woody perennial shrub that is a member of the heath, or Ericaceae, family. One unique feature of plants within this botanical family is that they require acidic soil conditions with pH ranges between 4 to 5 units. Other members in this plant family include lowblush blueberry, cranberry, huckleberry, rhododendrons, azalea, and heather.These shallow-rooted crops require specific conditions for successful production. Please review the information below to learn more about successful production of blueberry.
Production Overview – Economics
Site Preparation & Establishment
- Acidifying Soil for Crop Production West of the Cascade Mountains (EM 8857-E , 2004)
Review of techniques to lower soil pH. - Acidifying Soil for Crop Production: Inland Pacific Northwest (PNW 599-E, 2007), Review of techniques to lower soil pH.
Cultivars
Plant Maintenance
- Identifying herbicide injury in blueberries: A grower’s guide (Oregon State University Extension)
- Protecting Wild Bee Crop Pollination Services: Commercial Bumble Bee Best Management Practices (January 2024) (PDF)
- Blueberry Growth Stages Table (Michigan State University Extension)
- Blueberry production guide
- Pollination in High Tunnels (Washington State University)(PDF)
- Berry Crops and Flooding: Severe Flooding Blueberry Field (PDF)
- Revised Leaf Sufficiency Standards (Oregon State University, 2021)
- Nutrient Management for Blueberries in Oregon (Oregon State University, 2006) Review of nutrient management, including soil and tissue testing.
- Post-Harvest Soil Nitrate Testing for Manured Cropping Systems West of the Cascades (Sullivan and Cogger, 2003)