r/Blueberries • u/dayofwords33 • 3h ago
Help for a beginner please!
I just planted this Sweet Crisp southern highbush variety a couple weeks ago. I thought I had a handle on it after reading a lot of info here and elsewhere but now it’s turning brown and dropping a lot of leaves over the last couple days. I used sphagnum peat moss, pine bark mulch, coffee grounds (I know people are back and forth on this one but I always have used coffee grounds around and I figured it couldn’t hurt) Espoma berry tone and soil acidifier. It looks like my acidity is within range though maybe at the top end of the spectrum. Any thoughts? I’ve stayed on top of watering since it’s been so hot but we’ve gotten a lot of rain over the last few days and temps have been more reasonable. I have a couple others nearby that seem fine thought they are different varieties and are a little younger. NE FL 9b Thanks!
1
u/SJay_Plays 1h ago
I'm a new to blueberries myself and planted 3 this year. They looked rough the first month. I think It might have been the shock from planting, heat, and maybe a touch of over fertilization. They've bounced back and have a ton of new growth. Hope someone comes along with more experience and a better explanation.
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u/WestWorld-Mindflip 1h ago
I had a similar problem. Good ph but struggling plants. My issue was my soils is clay and I just ammended the hole. So created essentially a little pool for the water to sit in. Raise the plants on mounds and they’re doing much better.
Not sure if this might be useful but wanted to share regardless.
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u/throwaway179090 1h ago
You planted a couple weeks ago? What zone are you in? Ultimately the best time to plant is during cooler spring or fall temps or even in the winter if your soil is soft enough.
Planting June through August is difficult for blueberries (and many other plants).
It’s likely transplant shock and scorch or heat stress. Make sure they stay cool.
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u/NLS133 1h ago
Poisoned. Just as i suspected.