Your Canadian blueberries aren’t bearing fruit. Here are 4 possible reasons

If you take a look around many gardens, you’ll soon find that almost every one has Canadian blueberries. While currant and gooseberry bushes used to be the standard, these have now taken their place. The reasons are clear. Canadian blueberries have an excellent flavor. They aren’t as tart as gooseberries and currants. They also don’t have the tough skin of gooseberries. Plus, children won’t get pricked by the bushes. However, growing Canadian blueberries isn’t as simple as growing gooseberries and currants. They require specific care. Growers often make one of four fatal mistakes that result in the plants failing to bear fruit.

Acidic soil as a foundation

The first fatal mistake when growing Canadian blueberries is planting them in standard garden soil. Canadian blueberries actually need soil that is a hundred times more acidic. Pure peat with a pH ranging from 3.5 to 4.5 is excellent. It’s definitely a good idea to check the pH of the soil around the blueberries. Every year, we dig around the blueberry bushes with a spade and add peat with the appropriate pH.

Photo: Radek Stepan

Watering with tap water

The second major mistake when caring for Canadian blueberries. Many of us might think that tap water contains calcium, which is great for plants. No, that’s not the case. Every drop of such water neutralizes the soil, effectively destroying the peat we’ve added for the blueberries. Rainwater, on the other hand, is soft and slightly acidic, which is absolutely ideal for blueberries.

Tip: How to plant Canadian blueberries? Simply step by step.

Just one variety means 30% less yield

That’s right. If we have just a single bush of a particular variety in the garden, it’s not enough. It’s best to choose multiple varieties of Canadian blueberries. They’re definitely available at garden centers. We even have a variety with red berries. More flowers lead to better pollination and, of course, much higher yields. It’s ideal to choose varieties that ripen gradually. Early in July, mid-season in August, late in September.

No pruning for the first four years

Exactly. Many of us reach for the shears much too soon, which is, of course, a mistake. Canadian blueberries do not need pruning for the first three to four years.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about common mistakes when growing Canadian blueberries

What pH should the soil have for growing Canadian blueberries?

Ideally acidic, between 3.5 and 4.5.

What kind of water should be used to water Canadian blueberries?

Exclusively rainwater or settled water.

When should you prune Canadian blueberries?

No sooner than after 4 years of growth.

Sources: Author, Meta, YouTube

Photo and photogallery: Radek Stepan