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Fruit & Orchards Garden Clinic edible garden

Are my blueberries dead or is this how they are supposed to look?

last year

Hi I live in Newburyport, MA about 10 miles from the NH border (Zone 6). Last summer, I planted about 5 blueberry bushes (northern highbush) of different types (so they would cross pollinate) and I did all the things I thought I was supposed to do. I added hollytone, compost, good potting soil and I've put those soil acidifying pearls. They didn't really take off (although my expectations may be too high as this was the first year). I also sprinkled some of that blue hydrangea acid pearls (or whatever) at the drip line around the plants last week. When I did a soil test it looks like my PH is at about a 6. I don't think these are dead but can they be saved? They are supposed to be red because of cold weather or this a sign of a magnesium deficiency. Also should I be pruning something?

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Comments (4)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
last year
Blueberry stems are often red in winter. It is the black portions that are of concern but can't see them clearly to see what's what.

Probably too early to see many signs of life yet but the budding on the red stems should start soon. Wait until the plant leafs out before deciding to prune and then remove only the dead wood this season.

And if the "blue hydrangea acid pearls" was aluminum sulfate, DO NOT apply any more!! Like many ericaceous plants, blueberries are very sensitive to aluminum levels and it only takes a couple of applications to kill them. Save that product only for hydraneas!
PRO
Molly
Original Author
last year
Thank you!
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BlueberryBundtcake - 6a/5b MA
last year
last modified: last year
My northern highbush blueberries are still dormant. The main canes look to be a fine color, but your pictures are not in focus enough to see the buds. The red is your young wood. It's normal.

I don't use any soil acidifiers ... our soil is generally slightly to the acidic side, but I haven't done an actual soil test. My blueberries get additional water but pretty much have a free life. I would send a soil sample in to UMass' extension if I were looking to make amendments. They have the option to include crop codes on the submission form to receive recommendations.
Molly thanked BlueberryBundtcake - 6a/5b MA
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Molly
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Thank you!

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