How To Grow Blueberries From Seed

Growing blueberries from seed can be an easy process, but it's important to choose the right varieties, as not all of them are well-suited for seed propagation.

Lowbush blueberries

This native North American variety is known for its small, sweet berries and compact growth habit. It's also relatively tolerant of a wider range of soil conditions compared to other blueberry types. Seeds germinate readily and the plants start producing fruit in 2 to 3 years. 

Half-high blueberries 

A hybrid between lowbush and highbush blueberries, this variety offers the best of both worlds. It produces larger berries than low-bush blueberries while still being more compact than high-bush varieties. Seeds germinate moderately well and plants typically start fruiting in 3 to 4 years. 

Sunshine Blue Blueberry

This early-ripening highbush blueberry variety is known for its large, sweet berries and abundant yields. While seeds may germinate slower than other varieties, the wait is worth it for the delicious fruits. Plants typically start fruiting in 4 to 5 years. 

Pink Lemonade Blueberry

This unique variety produces berries that start out pink and ripen to a light lavender color. The berries have a refreshing, slightly tart flavor. Seeds germinate moderately well and plants typically start fruiting in 3 to 4 years.

You can collect seeds from ripe blueberries, either by gathering them from a healthy bush or by purchasing them from a reputable nursery. If you are collecting your own seeds, first, you need to extract them. 

To do this, begin by mashing the ripe blueberries with water, then separate the seeds using a sieve or a paper towel. Rinse and thoroughly dry the seeds.

Blueberry seeds require a period of cold stratification before they will germinate. To achieve this, place the seeds in a moist paper towel or peat moss and store them in the refrigerator for 6 to 8 weeks. 

This process simulates a dormant period, breaking the seeds' dormancy and signaling that conditions are conducive to germination. After the stratification period, you can sow the seeds in a suitable growing medium to initiate the germination process.

To prepare the potting mix for blueberries, you may either purchase a specialized mix or make your own. An ideal mix should consist of equal parts peat moss, sand, and composted sawdust, providing the acidic soil with a pH of 4.0 to 5.0 required for healthy growth.

You can also add organic matter to the soil, such as pine bark mini-nuggets or sphagnum peat moss, to improve soil texture and acidity. However, it's important to avoid using mushroom compost or composted manure in the soil, as they have high nitrogen content that can harm the plants.

When sowing seeds, press them gently onto the surface of the potting mix, spacing them about 1/4 inch apart. But avoid burying them deeply, as they need light to germinate. If you are growing large seeds, aim for spaces of about 4 cm between each seed. For smaller seeds, sow them evenly and thinly across the entire area. Cover the seeds with soil and place a label in the soil.

If you are growing blueberries in a container, use a shallow pot or tray with proper drainage holes filled with acidic, well-draining potting mix. You can even incorporate types of soil such as a mix of peat moss, perlite, and sand.

Blueberries require at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day to grow well, so it is essential to choose a location that receives ample sunlight.

If you are growing blueberries indoors, place your seed trays or pots in a warm area that receives plenty of bright, indirect sunlight, and maintain temperatures between 65°F and 75°F to ensure healthy growth conditions.

To keep the soil consistently moist for blueberry seeds, gently water them using a fine spray nozzle or by placing the tray in a shallow dish of water to allow for bottom wicking.

Covering the tray with plastic wrap or a propagator lid further helps maintain humidity, preventing the soil from drying out too quickly.

Germination of blueberry seeds can be a lengthy process, taking anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks. To facilitate germination, it is important to keep the soil moist and maintain a temperature between 65°F and 75°F.

Once the seeds have germinated, remove the plastic wrap or propagator lid, and water the seedlings regularly to support their growth.

Once the seedlings have grown a few true leaves, thin them to provide more space for growth. You may gently transplant extra seedlings to other pots. This helps improve air circulation and prevents overcrowding, which can limit their nutrient absorption.

Seedlings should be at least 3 to 4 inches tall and have two pairs of true leaves before thinning. This process is best done while they are still young to avoid root disturbance. 

Once the seedlings have grown to about 4 to 6 inches tall, they can be transplanted into ground or individual pots. When transplanted, gently loosen the seedlings from their current pots, being careful not to damage their roots.

If you are transplanting them into individual pots, fill the pots with a suitable potting mix and plant the seedlings at the same depth they were in their previous pots. Thoroughly water the pots and place them in a location with the appropriate growing conditions.

These berries require consistent moisture in their soil to thrive. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, providing them with one inch of rainfall per week, either through rain or irrigation.

During their growing season, give them at least 1 inch of water per week and up to 4 inches per week during fruit ripening.

Once the seedlings have a few true leaves, use an acidic fertilizer formulated for ericaceous plants, such as those containing ammonium sulfate or other acidic fertilizers. Apply the fertilizer once or twice a year, following the instructions on the package.

In promoting the health of these plants, apply a layer of acidic or neutral organic matter, such as composted sawdust, composted or freshly chipped pine bark, and composted pine needles around the base. This helps maintain soil acidity, retain moisture, and prevent weed growth.

For mature bushes, more extensive pruning will be needed to encourage new growth and fruit production. This is typically done from November to March.

When trimming these bushes, lightly remove any dead or diseased branches from the young bushes. Also, remove any low branches that are touching the ground; if they are not removed, they will touch the ground when fruit-laden.

Blueberry harvesting season can extend from late May through mid-August, depending on the variety and local climate. Once they are ready for harvest, gently hold a ripe blueberry between your forefinger and thumb, and pluck it off with a twisting motion.

Choose berries that are plump, juicy, and have a deep blue tone. Ripe berries should come off the bush easily and will 'give' a bit under gentle finger pressure. Normally, you may pick them up every 3 days.