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Growing blueberries in Arkansas is absolutely possible and can be incredibly rewarding if you choose the right varieties and prepare your soil properly.
The key to growing blueberries in Arkansas is understanding that our native soil tends to be too heavy and alkaline for these acid-loving plants.
But don’t worry, because with a little prep work, you can grow blueberries in Arkansas and enjoy fresh berries for years to come.
In this post, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about growing blueberries in Arkansas, from choosing the best varieties to dealing with our unique climate challenges.
Let’s dig in.
Why Growing Blueberries in Arkansas Takes Some Planning
Growing blueberries in Arkansas requires a bit more effort than in some other states, but it’s totally doable.
Here’s why you need to plan ahead:
1. Arkansas Soil Is Usually Too Alkaline
Blueberries need acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5.
Most Arkansas soil, whether you’re in the Delta or the Ozarks, tends to be more neutral to alkaline.
That means if you just stick a blueberry bush in the ground without amending the soil, it will struggle.
The good news is you can fix this by mixing in plenty of peat moss, pine bark, or elemental sulfur.
2. Our Summers Can Be Brutal
Arkansas summers bring heat and humidity that can stress blueberry plants.
That’s why choosing heat-tolerant varieties and providing consistent moisture is so important when growing blueberries in Arkansas.
Mulching heavily around your bushes helps keep the roots cool and moist.
3. Drainage Matters More Than You Think
Blueberries hate soggy roots.
If your Arkansas yard has heavy clay soil, you’ll want to plant in raised beds or large containers.
Good drainage is non-negotiable for growing blueberries in Arkansas successfully.
Best Blueberry Varieties for Arkansas
Choosing the right variety makes all the difference when growing blueberries in Arkansas.
You’ll want to focus on rabbiteye and southern highbush types, as these handle our climate best.
1. Rabbiteye Blueberries
Rabbiteye blueberries are the most reliable choice for growing blueberries in Arkansas.
They tolerate heat, resist pests, and produce well with minimal fuss.
Good options include Climax, Premier, Tifblue, and Brightwell.
Plant at least two different rabbiteye varieties for cross-pollination and better yields.
2. Southern Highbush Blueberries
Southern highbush varieties ripen earlier than rabbiteyes, which is nice if you want berries sooner in the season.
They’re a bit more finicky about soil drainage, but they can work well in Arkansas if you prepare the planting site properly.
Look for varieties like O’Neal, Sharpblue, and Sunshine Blue.
3. What About Northern Highbush?
Northern highbush blueberries generally don’t perform well in Arkansas.
They need colder winters and don’t handle our summer heat.
So if you’re growing blueberries in Arkansas, stick with rabbiteye or southern highbush for the best results.
How to Plant Blueberries in Arkansas
Planting is where you set your blueberry bushes up for success or failure.
Here’s how to do it right:
1. Test Your Soil First
Before you plant anything, get a soil test through your local county extension office.
This tells you your current pH and what amendments you need.
Growing blueberries in Arkansas starts with knowing what you’re working with.
2. Amend for Acidity and Drainage
Mix in peat moss, composted pine bark, or sphagnum moss to lower pH and improve drainage.
If your soil is heavy clay, build a raised bed at least 12 inches tall.
This gives roots the airy, acidic environment they crave.
3. Plant in Full Sun
Blueberries need at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.
Morning sun is especially important because it dries dew off the leaves and reduces disease pressure.
4. Space Them Properly
Give rabbiteye bushes about 6 feet between plants and 10 to 12 feet between rows.
Southern highbush can be a bit closer, around 4 to 5 feet apart.
5. Water Deeply and Mulch Well
Newly planted bushes need consistent moisture, especially through Arkansas summers.
Apply 3 to 4 inches of pine bark mulch around each plant, but keep it a few inches away from the trunk.
This mulch keeps soil cool, retains moisture, and slowly adds acidity as it breaks down.
Caring for Blueberries in Arkansas
Once your bushes are established, they need regular care to thrive.
Here are the essentials:
1. Fertilize Carefully
Use an acid-loving plant fertilizer, like one formulated for azaleas or camellias.
Apply in early spring as buds begin to swell, and again after harvest if needed.
Don’t overdo it, as too much fertilizer can burn roots and reduce fruiting.
2. Prune Annually
Prune during late winter while bushes are dormant.
Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and thin out older canes to encourage new growth.
Good pruning keeps your blueberry bushes productive and healthy.
3. Watch for Pests and Diseases
Common issues include birds, spotted wing drosophila, and fungal diseases like mummy berry.
Netting helps with birds, and good airflow around plants reduces disease risk.
So, How Do You Grow Blueberries in Arkansas?
Growing blueberries in Arkansas comes down to choosing the right varieties, amending your soil for acidity and drainage, planting in full sun, and providing consistent water and mulch.
It takes some upfront effort, but once established, blueberry bushes can produce fruit for 20 years or more.
So if you’ve been wondering about growing blueberries in Arkansas, now you know it’s not only possible but totally worth it.
Happy planting.