If you have wished for a Blueberry that will grow and produce nutritious, delectable berries in warmer climates, then the Emerald Blueberry Plant is your wish come true. Emerald Blueberry Plants are suitable for growing in the ground within USDA Zones 8 to 10, and require very little cold winter weather. Emerald 5040 Blueberry Plants are also easy to manage with their 6 foot height and 4 foot width, so you can plant a few almost anywhere. The large, blue-grey, Emerald Blueberries are sweet when ripe and have a rich blueberry flavor.
Emerald Blueberry Plants do best in acidic soils with a pH of 6.0 or below. They like full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil, and consistent watering that never keeps the ground overly saturated. The plants can grow berries alone but perform best when cross-pollinated with other Highbush Variety Blueberries. Emerald Blueberry Plants are easy to grow and manage, like warm weather, produce sweet large blueberries, and make an excellent edible landscaping plant.
Choose planting spots that get as much direct sun per day as possible, with 6 or more hours per day being optimal. Emerald 5040 Blueberry Bushes need acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 or below. Test soil and amend with sphagnum peat moss and/or composted pine straw and pine bark if needed. Prepare a 6 to 10 foot circular area (or a 10 foot wide row) free from weeds and grass. Dig a hole twice the width and the same depth as the plant root ball. Remove the Emerald Blueberry Plant from its pot, gently loosen roots, and plant upright.
Water newly planted Emerald Blueberry Plants in well. Use a soaker hose or drip system to keep the ground around the plants consistently moist. Fertilize once every 3 months from early spring through the end of summer. Use a fertilizer formulated for blueberries, or an acidic, balanced fertilizer with micronutrients. Apply amounts recommended in the fertilizer instructions and water in well with each application.
Fruit & Harvesting
Emerald Blueberry Plants typically start to bloom in January or February. Refrain from adding fresh fertilizer while the plants have blooms on them. Emerald Blueberries ripen from mid-April through May. During this fruiting period, you can harvest blueberries once per week, since various berries will ripen at different times. Harvest the darkest berries by hand and store refrigerated. You can also freeze blueberries or use them to make preserves for extended keeping.
Emerald Blueberries are large berries with a mild sweetness when ripe. They are good for eating fresh, or for any recipe that calls for blueberries. Popular dishes for Emerald Blueberries include blueberry muffins, pies, cobblers, and smoothies. Freeze Emerald Blueberries by arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and placing them in the freezer for 45 minutes. You can then remove the tray and place the partially frozen berries into an airtight container or freezer storage bag and store in the freezer.
Growing Zones
Advice
Emerald Blueberry Plants like consistent access to water. The soil should drain well, but never become fully dry. To accomplish this state, mulch the plants with acidic mulching material like pine straw, oak leaves, or composted pine bark. Apply 6 inches of mulch to cover an area about 5 feet around the plant base. A good practice is to add new mulch after each time you fertilize, to bring the mulch cover back up to about 6 inches deep.
Pruning is not required for fruit growth, but it encourages bushier growth and overall plant vigor. Wait to begin pruning new Emerald Blueberries until their third year in the ground. In mid-winter prune Emerald Blueberry Plants to remove 1 to 2 feet of plant height, and to remove any dead or damaged canes. Remove pruned material from the immediate area. After pruning, add extra mulch to about 8 inches deep to help insulate the shallow roots for winter.
FAQs
Can Emerald Blueberry Plants grow as a hedge?
Yes. To grow a blueberry hedge, space Emerald 5040 Blueberry Plants 3 to 4 feet apart, and clear/mulch the ground under the entire hedgerow.
What is the mature size of an Emerald Blueberry Bush?
Emerald Blueberry Bushes grow to a mature size of about 6 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide.
Do Emerald Blueberry Bushes need a pollinator?
Yes. Emerald Blueberry Bushes grow the most fruit when paired with other Highbush Blueberry varieties.
Can Emerald Blueberry Plants grow in pots?
Yes, since the plants are smaller, Emerald Blueberry Bushes grow well in pots. Give potted berries full sun and be sure the pots drain fully.
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