Determining the optimal distance for blueberry planting is crucial to support bush growth, pollination, and harvest yields. While blueberries are relatively low-maintenance, ensuring proper blueberry spacing sets your plants up for success.
Blueberry bushes come in a range of sizes depending on the variety. Plant tag recommendations offer a starting point, but you can fine-tune spacing depending on your goals. As a general rule, farther apart spacing produces larger individual bushes, while tighter spacing creates hedgerows for maximizing yields in small areas.
Here are some guidelines on blueberry planting distances:
Spacing for Highbush Blueberry Bushes
Highbush are the most common home garden type. Their mature size ranges from 3-12 feet wide and tall depending on the variety.
- For individual bush growth, space 4-6 feet apart
- For closer hedgerows, space 2-3 feet apart
- Space rows 8-10 feet apart
Spacing for Lowbush Blueberry Bushes
Lowbush blueberries spread out rather than growing upright. They reach 2-24 inches high at maturity
- Space 2-4 feet apart for groundcover
- Ideal for edging beds and borders
Half-High Blueberry Bush Spacing
Half-high or semi-dwarf bushes grow 3-5 feet wide and tall.
- Space 3 feet apart
- Allow 5 feet between rows
Container Blueberry Spacing
Potted blueberries range from patio pots to 3-5 gallon sizes.
- Allow 12-24 inches between pots
- Size pot to mature plant width
Spacing for Blueberry Pollination
Cross-pollinating blueberry varieties produce more fruit with a different variety blooming nearby.
- Alternate compatible varieties in rows
- Space pollinator plants every third bush
Blueberry Hedge Spacing
Growing blueberries tightly together creates an edible ornamental hedge.
- Space 2-2.5 feet apart in a single line
- Prune to encourage bushy, compact growth
Raised Bed Blueberry Spacing
In raised beds allow ample room for bushes to spread out.
- Space 2 feet apart for dwarf varieties
- 3-4 feet for full-size bushes
- Maximum of 2-3 bushes per 8 foot bed
Adjustments for Growing Conditions
Wider blueberry spacing helps air circulate to prevent disease in humid climates. Tighter spacing insulates plants in cold regions.
Accounting for Growth Habit
Some varieties have naturally open growth while others are more compact. Check tag recommendations and adjust spacing accordingly.
Allowing Room for Harvesting
Adequate spacing makes picking easier. You don’t want blueberry bushes completely intertwined.
Optimizing Your Space
In small gardens, you can push spacing minimums to maximize yields. But go too tight and plant health will decline.
Proper blueberry plant spacing takes some planning, but it pays off with healthy, productive bushes. Aim for the minimum space needed for selected varieties to reach maturity. Adapt spacing to suit your specific growing conditions and goals. With the right blueberry bush spacing, you’ll be rewarded with abundant, easy-to-pick fruit.
Blueberry Plant Spacing Recommendations
Based on how you answered the questions above, you may want to adjust your spacing a little bit. Of course, don’t go too far. These spacing rules will help you give your blueberry plants enough light, air, and root space to stay healthy.
This basic plant spacing guide is for people who have a lot of room and need rows that are a little wider for netting and maintenance. The intensive plant spacing recommendation below is for a tighter rows for a smaller space. When the bushes are full size the space between the rows will be around 3-4 feet wide.
It is important to keep in mind that basic or intensive spacing doesn’t change the distance between the plants very much. You need to maintain that space for proper growth and vigor.
How will you maintain the rows?
An important thing to consider is how you will maintain the space between the rows.
What kind of mulch or landscape fabric will you use? Will you keep grass or clover that doesn’t grow tall between the rows?
The space in between the rows and where the blueberries are will need mulch, mowing, and maintenance. When planning your yard, you should think about how big the blueberry bush will be when it’s fully grown. You should also leave enough room for a lawn mower, wheelbarrow, or even a small tractor, if you want to.
Perhaps you would rather utilize that space better and shovel in loads of mulch with smaller walking paths. Allow space for what you need for maintenance, pruning, and for picking comfortably.
Blueberry Planting Tips – Garden Quickie Episode 147
FAQ
How much space does a blueberry plant need?
What happens if you plant blueberries too close together?
How many years does it take for a blueberry bush to produce blueberries?
What month is best to plant blueberry bushes?
How far apart should blueberry bushes be planted?
The reason for this is because when they’re in a patch, they will feed off of one another and berry production will increase, as will quality. Unlike other plants, blueberry bushes like to be pretty close to one another, so plant them anywhere from 2-10 feet apart. What Type of Soil Do Blueberries Need?
How far apart should rabbiteye blueberries be planted?
You can set your plants 2 1/2 to 3 feet apart if you want your blueberries to grow together and create a live wall that doubles as a hedge. They will eventually grow together, leaving no visible space between the shrubs. You may also space your plants 5 to 6 feet apart to establish rabbiteye blueberry bushes as individual plants.
How wide should a blueberry plant be?
Most varieties of blueberry plants reach a mature height of 4-6 feet and a width of 3-4 feet, necessitating this spacing to prevent overcrowding and promote healthy development. If you are planting dwarf cultivars, which do not grow wider than 3 feet, you can reduce the spacing accordingly to maximize your planting area.
How do you grow blueberries in a garden?
If there is a route between the rows, it will be easier to collect the blueberries. Even when you are spacing other plants, grow them only a short distance from each other so there is enough space for you to walk among the rows and harvest. Spacing for walkway should also be applied when planting and spacing strawberries.