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Old 19-Dec-2006   #3
Forest Reef
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Join Date: Jun-2004
Location: TriCities, TN
Country: USA
Posts: 158
See Nick Lenz' new book available thru Stone Lantern. There's an entire chapter on blueberries. They are 'do-able', but they have some quirks that make them somewhat problematic (a tendency to drop branches, especially if the branch blooms....). Anyway, see the book.

I've got a small blueberry in a pot just started last year's spring (experiment). Lovely fall foilage. I've already seen evidence of the branch-dropping habit (I think). Branches I wired last year (some of which did bloom) were very weak this year...but, in compensation several nice new (strong) branches budded out. (To answer one question - yes, they readily backbud AND sucker - make a point of controlling/eliminating suckers that are not part of your design.) I wired the new branches this year (they do want to be straight long sticks)....We'll see how it goes. I got Lenz' book after I had already started my small blueberry. It may never get a fat trunk, but I like it anyway. Knowing the branch 'habit' is helpful - I don't get too attached to any particular branch and make a point of looking for new buds in right places....

If you start with a trunk already great, and train it knowing the branches will be ever-evolving (more so than usual), you may be happy with the results. Good luck with yours!

P.S. Yes, most (maybe all) blueberries need two to tango if you want berries. Just remember you may lose the branch if it flowers & fruits heavily, tho.
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Nature, time, and patience are the three great physicians.
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