Blueberry - Chandler (Northern Highbush)

Directions for Planting and Care

Planting and caring for your Chandler Blueberry (Northern Highbush) is easy and rewarding. Follow these steps to ensure your blueberry plant thrives and produces bountiful fruit for years to come.

Planting

Select the Right Location: Choose a sunny spot in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Chandler blueberries need full sun to produce high-quality fruit, so it’s important to select an area with good light exposure.

Prepare the Soil: Chandler blueberries thrive in well-drained, acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. If your soil is heavy or alkaline, amend it with organic material like peat moss to lower the pH and improve drainage.

Dig a Proper Hole: Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and approximately the same depth. This allows the roots to spread out and establish themselves more easily.

Plant the Blueberry: Gently remove the Chandler blueberry from its container, place it in the center of the hole, and ensure the root ball is level with the ground. Backfill with the soil, pressing down gently to eliminate air pockets.

Water Thoroughly: After planting, water the blueberry well to settle the soil around the roots and provide moisture.

Care

Regular Watering: Blueberries require consistent moisture, especially during their flowering and fruiting stages. Be sure to water regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

Pruning: Prune your Chandler blueberry in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or weak branches to promote better airflow and encourage a healthy growth structure. Light pruning will also help increase the yield of fruit.

Fertilization: Apply a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants in early spring and after the harvest season. Make sure not to over-fertilize, as too much nitrogen can result in excessive foliage growth, reducing fruit production.

Mulching: Use a 2-4 inch layer of mulch around the base of your Chandler blueberry to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.

Chandler blueberries are an excellent choice for gardeners who want large, sweet fruit and easy maintenance. With their minimal care requirements and consistent yields, they provide fresh, flavorful berries for home gardens, orchards, and small-scale farms. Enjoy the rewards of your efforts with Chandler blueberries—perfect for fresh consumption, baking, or preserving.