Southern Highbush Blueberry Seeds
(Vaccinium corymbosum)
Highbush Blueberries are the Most Widely Cultivated Blueberry in the US, and are a Very Popular Home Garden Fruit for Both Fresh and Frozen Use. They Grow Well in Zones 5-10, all Throughout the Southern Half of New Jersey, and Satisfactorily on Warmer Sites in Northern New Jersey where the Planting is Protected from Prevailing Winds and Winter Temperatures that Rarely Fall Below -25 Degrees F. Blueberries are Among the Most Nutrient-Dense Berries, & Have a Higher Concentration of Antioxidants than Any Other Fruit or Vegetables. They're Also Loaded with Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Manganese, & Potassium.
Best Grown in a Well-Draining Sandy Loam, that is Rich in Organic Matter. Clay Soils Can be Made Suitable for Blueberries by Adding Organic Matter (such as Peat Moss) and Sand. In Very Poorly Drainimg Soils, Blueberries may be Planted in Ridges 4 Inches Above the Surrounding Soil Level to Help Ensure Proper Drainage. Full Sunlight All Day Long is Essential for Maximum Fruit Production. Blueberries Require an Acidic Soil with a PH Range of 4.5 to 5.0. Abandoned Pastures, Fields, and Woodland Soils Generally Have a PH Suitable for Blueberry Growth, Although Only a Soil Test will Determine the Actual PH Level to Ensure Optimal Growth. Highland Blueberries will Grow Up to 7-8' Foot Tall, with a Spread of Appx. 4-6' Foot Wide. Plant Appx. 5' Foot Apart.
Highbush Blueberry Germination:
1) Soak seeds in water for 24 hours.
2) Place seeds in a moist paper towel placed inside a zip lock bag & keep in the fridge for 90 days to cold stratify them. This will break the seed's dormancy. Periodically check to ensure they do not dry out, while being very careful not to keep them overly wet. Just slightly moist.
3) Fill treys or containers with Moist Sphagnum Peat Moss. Place seeds on top of the peat moss, and cover them with a very thin layer of well draining seed starting mix. No more than 1/4"
4) Use a spray bottle to mist them as needed to keep them from drying out. Misting will also help with keeping the seeds getting dislodged, and buried too deep while germinating.
5) Use a heated propagator to ensure the daytime temperature stay at 70-75 degrees F. Turn off the heated mat at night to create alternating temperatures. This mimics their natural conditions, and will greatly improve germination rates.
6) Use a grow light as Blueberry seeds need light in order to germinate. Or place in a window that gets filtered light, but never full sun while germinating.
7) Patience is needed as germination of Highbush Blueberry seeds is erratic. Some will germinate withing 6-8 weeks, but don't toss any out that don't sprout quickly as some can take up to 12 weeks.