Blueberry Early Blue
Blueberry Early Blue is a compact, early-fruiting blueberry variety that produces sweet, firm berries from early Summer. With its dense, upright form and attractive spring flowering display, it offers both ornamental appeal and reliable harvests. The foliage turns a warm reddish hue in Autumn, adding seasonal interest.
Well-suited to pots, raised beds, or mixed borders, it works beautifully in cottage, edible, and urban garden styles.
Plant in full sun or light shade in acidic, free-draining soil. Keep soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and fruiting. Allow 1–1.2m spacing between plants to support healthy airflow and growth.
Mature size: Forms a compact, upright shrub reaching approximately 1.2–1.5m tall and 1m wide.
Trimming: Prune in late winter to early spring while dormant. Remove any dead, damaged, or congested stems to open up the plant and encourage airflow. For mature plants, cut back a third of the oldest canes at ground level to stimulate fresh, fruiting growth.
Deadheading: Not necessary, but removing any shrivelled or leftover berries post-harvest helps maintain plant health and cleanliness.
Fertilising: Use an acid-loving fertiliser in early spring—products formulated for camellias or rhododendrons are ideal. A light feed in late summer can support ongoing vigour. Avoid lime-based fertilisers to preserve the soil’s acidity.
Watering: Keep well-watered during the establishment period and during dry spells. ‘Early Blue’ benefits from consistently moist (but not waterlogged) soil, especially leading up to and during fruiting. Apply an acidic mulch, such as pine bark, to retain moisture and improve soil conditions.
Pest Control: Generally pest-resistant, though fruit may attract birds—netting may be required during the fruiting period. Keep an eye out for aphids or scale insects on new growth and treat with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil if present.
Disease Management: Ensure soil is well-drained to prevent root rot. In humid weather, monitor for signs of powdery mildew—white powdery patches on leaves—and treat with a sulphur-based fungicide if needed. Promote good airflow through regular pruning.
Enjoy complimentary delivery anywhere in mainland New Zealand when you purchase plants worth $250 or more*.
For orders below $250, the following flat-rate delivery charges are applicable:
- Urban delivery within mainland New Zealand: $19.95
- Rural delivery within mainland New Zealand: $39.95
- Waiheke, Chatham and Great Barrier Islands: Please contact us for shipping options.
We aim to have all orders shipped within 14 days from the order date, unless a different shipping date is specified alongside a product.
