Berries

Blueberries

(Vaccinium sect Cyanococcus)

Blueberries are a popular perennial plant or shrub in gardens around the world. They were first introduced to Australia in a failed attempt during the 1950s, but it wasn’t until the 1970s that the Victorian Department of Agriculture saw success with the plant, making them a relatively ‘new’ addition to our country.

Most, if not all, commercial blueberry plants are native to North America, but they’ve long since been introduced in Europe, and even include varieties more suitable for subtropical climates, like Australia. They’re usually separated into two categories; Wild (lowbush) and cultivated (highbush).

For blueberries to thrive in the Aussie garden, good quality soil that’s high in organic matter and with excellent drainage is a must. They do tend to prefer a more acidic soil with pH levels sitting between 4.0 and 5.0, so we often recommend using soil with good peat moss content or even just a good Azalea or Camelia planting mix, as these would be similar. Feed with a good fertiliser, like Organic Life or Dynamic Lifter.

While blueberries are self-fruitful, having more than one bush or variety in the garden will often help them produce more fruit. The berries range in size, but some can grow to be over 1.5cm in diameter. They’re sweet, with a lovely fresh flavour, and prized for their nutritional value, often labeled a ‘superfood’.

Typically, blueberries enjoy a cooler climate, however several subtropical varieties that don’t need much chill have since been cultivated, so they’ll be right at home in the garden or balconies in Australia.