skip to main content

Fruit & Orchards

Are my blueberries dead?

Leslie Tarly Z 5a

7 years ago

Last year I modified a large bed for blueberry bushes with peat moss, compost and elemental sulfur. This spring I planted seven blueberry bushes of different varieties.

By summer, three blueberry bushes had leaves turned brown, and then defoliated entirely. I thought they were deprived of water, but the other four plants have only very slight browning and they were watered the same. I installed a soaker hose and have been running it daily while temps are in the eighties and nineties. will the defoliated plants re-grow their leaves this season, or do they only put out leaves in the spring? Or are they flat dead?

Featured Answer

Sal73-Ireland

7 years ago

Have you used any fertiliser ? Is there good drainage ? State your zone and maybe post a picture so that folks on the forum can help you out.

Comments (9)

Leslie Tarly Z 5a
Original Author
7 years ago
Fertilizer: yes, half strength holly tone this spring. I also fertilized the surrounding grass with weed and feed in mid-may. At first I thought it might be a fertilizer issue or possibly herbicide damage. drainage: yes, the site has good drainage. It's on top of a hill and I modified the planting area with Turface. I neglected to mention that above. i am zone 5a. Here are images of the seven plants.
Related Discussions
Part of blueberry plant appears dead
Q
Comments (6)
That pan is just to keep the overflow from making a mess. It only contains water for very brief periods, right after I water. There are holes both on the bottom and on the sides of the bucket, near the bottom. I planted this over a year ago, before I started making better draining mixes- it is mostly peat, with some perlite (~15%) and leaf mulch. The top ~1" is sand, as last year I had a lot of small flies which were living in the mix. The sand took care of them very quickly. Now, I'm wondering if I should have removed it, rather than leaving it in place. It should drain pretty quick, but it does stay moist for a bit and holds water against the stem... I wasn't able to get an internal temperature (wrong kind of thermometer for that...), but it was cool to the touch when I took it out. The room is often pretty warm- 75-80, the hottest room in the house. The other room I have a Sweetcrisp in is usually at 60-65. Both are in south facing windows, as I was hoping to grow them inside, like Fruitnut. Until recently, it had seemed that this one was growing quicker. I checked into some online descriptions of stem blight and it seems like it could match. My initial search didn't find any clear photos, but I did see a description of the color of the wood (carmel) which I think matches the parts I've pruned out. Assuming that the rest of the plant dies (and it seems likely from the speed of the spread), I take it that it would be unwise to use the peat mix for planting blueberries (even in the yard). What types of plants can I use the medium in the planting of, without endangering them? I have peach, apple, apricot, blackberry, pears, persimmon, honeyberry, sour cherry, mulberry, etc arriving soon, so there are lots of choices.
...See More
Are my blueberries dead/dying?
Q
Comments (8)
Vickima: That is a lot of ammonium sulfate at one time for such a small plant. If you applied enough water after application, it would be OK. If there was a light rain, just enough to move it down a couple inches, there could be problems as in your picture. Blueberries are very sensitive to heavy applications of many kinds of fertilizer. I've burned the leaves more than once. If it hasn't rained heavily, then apply lots of water, say 2-4 inches. Your plants will probably recover. But remove any fruit from those that are defoliated. Apply smaller amounts and water after application. The Fruitnut
...See More
dead blueberry plant??? No leaves
Q
Comments (5)
Very good news indeed! I now doubt that you have root rot because of the high amount of peat. But could you have hard water? I doubt that also because from what I understand N.Y. has some very good water; but would check anyway. Although BB in the wild will grow in poor soil; they do like nitrogen, as long as it is not in nitrate form!!!! Nitrate will KILL the plant, which is why I said to use Iron sulfate; plants get the nitrogen they need for proper growth and the Iron they need as well, I would also get a rapid test PH meter ( cost around $25.00 )not one that tests for NPK which would be a total waste of money... anyway although a rapid test meter will not be 100% accurate it will get you into the ball park and before I forget, if your plants should flower and not set leaves, looking like sticks with flowers; be sure to take ALL THE FLOWERS OFF!!!!!!!!This would be a sign the plant is very low in energy and none should be wasted for fruit.
...See More
Blueberry bush, one branch dead? Pics
Q
Comments (2)
Not my area of expertise but I would just cut off the portion that is dead.
...See More
Leslie Tarly Z 5a
Original Author
7 years ago
There was an eighth bush that I paid about $20 for. Turned up its roots and died in under a month (duke). I wonder if this is a sun intensity issue. The one a bit closer to a tree gets a slightly more shade and is doing the best. But another in the most direct sun is also doing great (chandler, image 6)).
Jean
7 years ago
Weed-n-fed. How close to the blueberries.

I ask because the above stuff would affect blueberries.
Leslie Tarly Z 5a thanked Jean
Leslie Tarly Z 5a
Original Author
7 years ago
weed n feed application was right up to the side of the bed but not near the plants. Also they're on a hill so runoff would not flow into the bed. I'm definitely open to the possibility that weed and feed is responsible, but if that's true, why would some bushes be doing great and others poorly? Maybe to reframe the question: if they are alive, will they put on new leaves this season, or will I have to wait until next spring to figure out if they need to be replaced?
Sal73-Ireland
7 years ago
I think is a combination of too much water and the weed and feed stuff, some cultivars are more tolerant of wetter sites than others ,still they're not immune to root rot ,in zone 5b I would suspect that watering everyday would be a tad too much. I am not sure if the the first three will survive , however the other look healthy enough. Maybe you want to hand pull all the weeds around your bushes too.
Steve D (IL 5b/6a)
7 years ago
I would second the idea of weeding farther around your bushes - the surrounding plants might be competing with the root growth of your blueberries.
Leslie Tarly Z 5a
Original Author
7 years ago
I pruned back the first three hard. I will just have to see if they put out any new growth this season.
Leslie Tarly Z 5a
Original Author
6 years ago
Update: yep, they were dead. I think I just shocked them by transplanting. The bed is now doing great with more mulch...and new blueberries. Thanks all

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

EDIBLE GARDENS Summer Crop: How to Grow Blueberries

By Marianne Lipanovich

Plant blueberries in spring or fall for garden beauty through three seasons — and a sweet superfood in summer

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Grow Blueberries for Their Fruit and More

By Ellen Sousa/Turkey Hill Brook Farm

Eastern gardeners should consider growing blueberry plants for their delicious fruits, bee-friendly spring blooms and brilliant fall foliage

CONTAINER GARDENS Patio-Perfect Berry Bushes Like You’ve Never Seen

Small enough for pots but offering abundant fruit, these remarkable bred berries are a boon for gardeners short on space

FARM YOUR YARD 6 Things to Know Before You Start Growing Your Own Food

By Abundant City

It takes time and practice, but growing edibles in the suburbs or city is possible with smart prep and patience

COMMUNITY Art, Edibles and Community Make Magic in a Pittsburgh Garden

By Lauren Piasecki/Black Cherry Design

With a name like Friendship, is it any wonder this neighborhood created such an enchanting community garden?

FALL GARDENING 7 Reasons Not to Clean Up Your Fall Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Before you pluck and rake, consider wildlife, the health of your plants and your own right to relax

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: Healthy Home Habitats for Northern Flickers

By Habitat Network

These colorful woodpeckers found across the U.S. and Canada love berries, seeds and ants and often nest in deep burrows in trees

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Get Along With Less Lawn — Ideas to Save Water and Effort

By Jocelyn H. Chilvers

Ditch the mower and lower your water bill while creating a feast for the eyes with diverse plantings and gathering places

GARDENING GUIDES Garden-Friendly Native Alternatives to Overplanted Exotics

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

There are lots of gorgeous, wildlife-friendly native plants ready to make an appearance in your garden

GARDENING GUIDES 15 Favorites for Your Summer Edible Garden

By Marianne Lipanovich

Get your summer garden off to a good start with these popular fruits and vegetables

Sponsored

CHC & Family Developments

4 Reviews

Industry Leading General Contractors in Franklin County, Ohio

More Discussions

Is there any treatment for this?

3

what is wrong with my indoor mango????

13

Identify an olive tree that is nit flowering after more than 15 years.

8

Advice on planting blueberry plant

9

No flowers on my apricot tree?

6