Will the blueberry bushes I bought get flowers and fruit?

Question

Last year at the Wal-Mart garden center they had blueberry bushes that were just loaded with flowers. They looked great but I couldn't get them at the time. I had been looking forward to getting some this year, and now I just saw them out in the garden center again and bought 3 bushes of 2 different varieties. The difference is that these have no flowers at all. I don't see buds or berries or anything, just leaves. I don't know if they're the same variety as the ones they had last year or not, so that could make a difference, but I'm a little worried about what I bought. Will they still get flowers or should they already have them by now since it's early June, no matter what variety they are?

Answer 1

Hi Connie,

nil desperandum etc. I work in a garden centre (in England as you might tell by the spelling of centre!) and most of our latest crop of blueberry bushes have not got their flowers on yet. This is not a problem. Flowers and fruit will come, though you should not really be concerned with getting a decent crop in the first year. I think there is an argument, though not an undeniable one, that a plant that is not putting some energy into flowering will put more energy into settling in to its new home.

As an aside, you did quite right to buy a couple of varieties as it is generally said that cross pollination increases the crops on blueberries.

Lastly, blueberries are said to prefer an acid soil, so watch where you plant them.

Regards,

Steve.

Answer 2

Different varieties flower and fruit at different times. Some are earlier and some later. Also, the first couple years may not be very productive anyway. You did well with choosing a couple different varieties and you can make the soil more acidic simply by mulching with some good compost a couple times a year around the base of the bushes. Don't let the compost touch the stems, though, as that can cause rot or insect entry points. Additionally, I have to net mine off from the birds or they eat 3/4 of my crop so keep that in mind and enjoy your eventual fresh blueberries!

Answer 3

there has been a lot of bad comments about those kinds,, but they do sell some that are already bushing out,, only thing is its only one variety and not the best tasting!!! a garden center would be a better place to get them but they usually are kinda expensive at 15-20 for a small tree

Answer 4

Sure - they will flower and produce eventually but maybe not this year. Remember, you just got some very young plants and transplanted them into their new environment. It will take time for them to get established.



See source for more information on growing blueberries.

Answer 5

all blueberry bushes have flowers, it could be that these bushes are too immature to flower or the conditions they were stored in were detremental to the bushes, also do keep in mind that blueberry bushes like acidic soil and need it to flourish, you can test your soil with a garden p.h kit.