Blueberries (also called blueberries) have special demands on the soil in which they grow. We'll show you what's so special about the blueberry.
blueberries (Vaccinium) are interesting berry bushes in many ways, the blue fruits of which score points both visually and in terms of taste. Although the wild blueberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) have a particularly intense taste, only American blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) used. Just like the wild blueberries, the high-yielding cultivated blueberries also place special conditions on the soil that you should take into account when growing.
Blueberries / blueberry soil
As a shrub that is naturally widespread in bog and forest landscapes, the blueberry is used to acidic soils, which are often not found in gardens. Especially loamy and calcareous soils are unsuitable for growing blueberry bushes, which is why the pH value should be measured before planting. Ideally, this is between 4.0 and 5.0 - a value that most other cultivated plants cannot cope with. The solution is to dig a planting hole with a depth of 60 cm and a width of 1 m, which is filled with suitable soil after the bush has been planted. Alternatively, you can of course also keep blueberries in the pot, as this prevents them from exchanging with calcareous soil.
Which soil to use for blueberries / blueberries?
You should choose a suitable soil as a substrate for a newly dug planting hole or for use in a pot. Normal potting soil is not suitable due to the higher pH value. The use of rhododendron or azalea soil has therefore established itself for planting blueberry bushes. With their low pH value, this creates optimal conditions for blueberries, which are similar to the conditions in nature. In addition to using the purchased soil, it is advisable to incorporate coniferous litter, leaves, pieces of bark and lawn cuttings as long-term fertilizers, which at the same time ensure an acidic environment in the soil.
Buy blueberries / blueberry soil
When buying the right soil, you should definitely pay attention to the pH value. Basically, you can't go wrong with rhododendron and azalea soil, and hydrangea soil is also suitable for heather plants such as blueberries. In the interests of the environment, we recommend that you choose a peat-free soil so as not to support mining from drained bogs. By using the right soil and incorporating organic material into the planting pit, it is possible to completely avoid the use of additional peat.
Summary: The perfect blueberry / blueberry soil
- Rhododendron, azalea or hydrangea soil
- Low pH value (ideally 4.0 - 5.0)
- Peat-free products are the most environmentally friendly
If you would like to know more about the successful cultivation of blueberries, then you should have a look here in our article with the 10 best tips for growing blueberries past.
