The Hybrid Blueberry 
Requirements - Soil Preparation - Planting 
After Care - Propagation 
The term “blueberry,” applied to wild plants, 
has different meanings in different places. In con- 
nection with garden or commercial berry growing 
and in this leaflet, it refers to the high-bush or 
swamp blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), and 
particularly to improved, named varieties which, 
developed by selection and hybridization, can be 
bought like other nursery stock. However, planta- 
tions can be made of collected wild plants chosen 
for their vigor and productivity and the size and 
quality of their fruit. 
Blueberries are native to a large part of North 
America, especially the northern and eastern re- 
gion. They grow in acid soils of sandy type, rich 
in organic matter mainly (peat moss) and well sup- 
plied with moisture throughout the growing sea- 
son, but where the water table is not high enough 
to prevent aeration of the roots. Another essential 
is the presence of a certain soil fungus which pro- 
motes the growth of the plants through a “sym- 
biotic relationship” with the roots. This factor 
cannot be supplied by man, but develops under 
favorable conditions. 
If the conditions described are provided, blue- 
berries can be grown outside their natural range 
and in a variety of soils, so long as they are not on 
the alkaline side or of a stiff, clay type. They do 
best in full sun, but give fair results in light shade, 
which may even be an advantage in the South. 
Soil Preparation. Unless there is good drain- 
age, install tile drains 18 in. to 24 in. below soil 
level. A natural sand-peat soil mixture is best, but 
organic matter can be supplied as commercial peat 
moss, partly rotted leaves (preferably oak), pine 
needles, sawdust, spent tan bark, or other vege- 
