As fall and winter seasons approach, there are several important considerations blueberry growers in Florida should be mindful of. If additional plantings are anticipated for this winter, site preparation should already be under way. Soil drainage, perennial weed control, soil pH adjustment, laying out the irrigation system, and the addition of soil organic matter are common pre-plant considerations.
If you have ordered plants for delivery this winter, it is a good idea to maintain close contact with your nursery grower and have assurances that the plants are healthy, growing well, and legally propagated. Essentially, all University of Florida southern highbush blueberry (SHB) cultivars that are currently grown for commercial use in Florida are patented, and licenses from the Florida Foundation Seed Producers are required for their legal propagation. Establishing a blueberry field in Florida is a large investment. High-quality plants are critical for a good return on your investment.
Blueberry fields in July and August should be in a state of rapid vegetative growth. Summer pruning (usually completed by mid- to late June), along with effective fertilization and a thorough summer spray program, sets the stage for a strong summer growth flush, which is needed for good berry production the following year. The new growth that develops after summer pruning will produce most of the 2011 crop.
Feeling Flush
Building Buds
(1) Spann, T.M., J.G. Williamson and R.L. Darnell. 2003. “Photoperiodic Effects on Vegetative and Reproductive Growth of Vaccinium darrowi and V. corymbosum Interspecific Hybrids.� HortScience. 38:192-195.
(2) Williamson, J. G. and E. P. Miller. 2002. “Early fall defoliation reduces flower bud number and yield of southern highbush blueberry.� HortTechnology 12:214-216.