I increased my blueberry harvest by 50% just by knowing how to prune blueberries and when. I’ll show you how, too.
Many years ago, when I planted my first rabbiteye blueberries, I never knew blueberry pruning was a thing. My plants prospered for several years but eventually became huge leafy green plants with barely any fruit! After researching the problem, I discovered proper annual pruning is essential for cultivated blueberries. Without knowing how to prune blueberries, plants become dense and unproductive. So let’s make sure we give those plants the care they need!
When to Prune and Supplies You Need
Pruning is done in the winter (most folk prefer February.)
Simple Tools and Supplies Are All You Need
- Loppers: For large canes (over 1 1/2″ thick), use long-handled bypass loppers.
- Hand Pruners: Bypass types are best for most shoots.
- Sterilization: Clean blades often with isopropyl alcohol to prevent the spread of disease.
Tip: If pruners come with a handy leather holder, don’t keep them stored in there since some of those metal parts aren’t “rust resistant”, especially in our humid climate.
How to Prune Blueberries: Four Key Steps
- Define the Crown – Limit the crown (where canes emerge) to 12″ – 18″ diameter. Remove canes outside this zone.
- Remove Low Canes – Cut canes growing too close to the ground, to prevent fruit contamination. The goal is to have upright canes on a narrow bush.
- Open the Center – Ensure open spaces between the canes. Remove 1-2 crowded, older canes (recognized by their gray color or lichen growth) as needed. Ultimately, there should be canes of different ages when you’re done.
- Remove Weak Shoots – Canes branch more and more as they age. With each branching, the shoots become smaller and less productive. Prune away weak shoots to encourage stronger growth and larger berries.
Special Notes for Young Plants (Don’t let them make fruit just yet)
- Year 1: If purchased as bare-root or 1 Gallon pot, remove all flowers so the plant can focus on root and cane development.
- Year 2: Begin training the plant into an upright, narrow growth. Continue removing flowers to prevent fruiting.
- 3 Gallon Size Plants: If plant canes are 18″ – 24″ height at time of purchase, prune about one-third of growth. Again, remove all flower buds. Plant can be allowed to fruit next year.
By their third year, plants are considered mature and are ready to fully produce fruit, hooray!
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