Blueberry shrubs are usually planted at a spacing of about 3-4 feet apart. This is because most varieties of blueberry plants grow to reach a mature size of 4-6 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide.
This spacing can be reduced for dwarf cultivars that don’t reach 3 feet wide. Or, you can plant the shrubs as far apart as you like to suit your landscape design. Just try to keep the different varieties within about 50-100 feet of each other to encourage cross-pollination for good fruit production.
Blueberry plant spacing requirements
When planting blueberries, it is important to consider the spacing requirements for each variety. The amount of space needed between plants depends on the type of blueberry bush you are growing and how large it will become when mature.
Blueberry shrubs are typically planted with a spacing of about 3-4 feet apart to ensure adequate air circulation and room for growth. Most varieties of blueberry plants reach a mature height of 4-6 feet and a width of 3-4 feet, necessitating this spacing to prevent overcrowding and promote healthy development.
If you are planting dwarf cultivars, which do not grow wider than 3 feet, you can reduce the spacing accordingly to maximize your planting area. There are many cute newer varieties that are small enough to be used at the front of a garden bed or as a low hedge along a pathway.
Plant the shrubs farther apart if you wish to create a more spacious, wilderness-inspired landscape. You can even look for the huge rabbiteye-type species of blueberry plant for giant shrubs that reach 8-10 feet tall!
Types of blueberries and their sizes
Most blueberry bushes are varieties of the highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum). But there are other types that are becoming more popular in home settings.
Here are the three common types of blueberries:
- Lowbush blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium): about 1 foot tall
- Highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum): about 3-5 feet tall
- Rabbiteye blueberries (Vaccinium asheii): about 10 feet tall
Spacing for healthy plants
Proper spacing is crucial not only for the health of the blueberry plants but also for ease of maintenance and harvesting.
While your blueberry plants look small now, many varieties can get huge! This can lead to overcrowding down the road, which reduces air circulation around the plants. Poor air circulation can lead to higher humidity levels, creating an environment conducive to fungal diseases like powdery mildew and botrytis.
Overcrowded plants may also receive less sunlight, which is essential for photosynthesis and fruit ripening. This shading effect can result in fewer and smaller berries.
Avoid planting too close to trees or large shrubs since they can compete with your blueberries for sunlight, water, and nutrients. This can lead to stunted growth or even the eventual demise of your berry bushes. This same competition for resources can also happen with overcrowded plantings of blueberry bushes.
Close planting also makes it more difficult to maintain the plants, as pruning, watering, and harvesting become more challenging with limited space.
Blueberries require acidic soil to thrive, so it’s important to avoid planting alkaline-loving plants nearby. Examples of plants to avoid planting near blueberries include potatoes, eggplant, tomatoes, and peppers.
Planting multiple blueberry bushes
Plant two or more varieties of blueberries with overlapping bloom times within 50-100 feet of each other. This will ensure more bees and other pollinators visit the flowers and aid in cross-pollination. You can also plant lots of other companion plants that are attractive to pollinators!
The number of blueberry bushes you should plant together depends on the size and shape of your garden. Generally, it is best to plant at least 3-5 bushes in a single row or clump for optimal pollination and fruit production. If you have limited space, 2-3 plants can be planted together but will produce fewer berries than if more were planted.
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