For Fruitful Harvest Later, Plant Berries Now

Question: I would like to grow blueberries and raspberries. What varieties do well here, and how do I grow them?

Answer: There are a variety of blueberries and raspberries that do well in Orange County, and now is time to plant them. You will find a good selection of bare-root berries in the nursery this month.

Blueberry types that produce well here include Georgia Gem, O’Neil and Sunshine Blue. Although they are self-fertile plants, for optimal fruit production it is best to plant two types. They all prefer full sun, but afternoon shade is desirable in really hot inland areas.

Blueberries thrive in a well-drained soil on the acidic side. They do best in a raised planter with a mixture of peat, sand and perlite.

You can also grow them in a container with azalea/camellia planter mix.

Irrigate blueberry plants deeply and let them dry out slightly between waterings. They prefer 1 to 2 inches of water per week from May to September, less throughout the winter months.

Don’t fertilize until four weeks after planting. Use a 10-10-10 fertilizer at a rate of one tablespoon per plant. They prefer an acid-based fertilizer, such as those used for azaleas and camellias.

Raspberry varieties that do well here include ‘Bababerry,’ red raspberry, ‘Oregon 1030’ (California raspberry) and ‘Heritage.’ These berries also prefer a well-drained soil (raised beds are best) and full sun.

Plant raspberries at the proper depth. Do not plant greater than 2 inches below the soil surface. The highest point of root attachment to the cane should be 1 to 2 inches below ground level.

Plant 2 feet apart and trellis to increase yields and decrease disease. Give 2 inches of water per week in summer and about half that at other times of the year.

Six weeks after planting, fertilize with a well-balanced food, making sure to stay away from the plant’s base. Thereafter, fertilize yearly when you prune, using with blood meal and bonemeal or tree and shrub food.

Have a problem in your yard? University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Master Gardeners are here to help. These trained and certified horticultural volunteers are dedicated to extending research-based, scientifically accurate information to the public about home horticulture and pest management. They are involved with a variety of outreach programs, including the UCCE Master Garden hotline, which provides answers to specific questions. You can reach the hotline at (714) 708-1646 or send e-mail to [email protected]. Calls and e-mail are picked up daily and are generally returned within two to three days.