When it comes to pruning blueberry bushes, the specific pruning technique and how far back you should prune will depend on the variety of blueberry you have – rabbiteye or highbush.
For rabbiteye varieties, it is recommended to prune off old canes about 6 to 12 inches above the ground. This is done to stimulate the growth of new canes from the stump suckers. By removing the old canes, you encourage the development of fresh, productive canes.
On the other hand, with highbush varieties, the pruning technique differs slightly. Instead of pruning aboveground, it is advised to prune the canes at ground level. This is because canes that grow from root suckers tend to be more fruitful than those that grow from stump suckers.
To give you a clearer picture, let me explain the process in more detail. When pruning rabbiteye blueberries, you would identify the old canes that have already produced fruit. These canes will appear woody and less vigorous compared to the younger canes. Using a sharp pair of pruning shears or loppers, you would then cut these old canes about 6 to 12 inches above the ground. This will leave behind the stump, from which new canes will emerge.
For highbush blueberries, the process is similar, but the difference lies in where you make the cut. Instead of leaving a stump, you would cut the canes at ground level. This will also stimulate the growth of new canes, but they will emerge from the root system rather than from the stump.
Pruning blueberry bushes in this manner helps maintain the health and productivity of the plants. It allows for the renewal of canes and encourages the growth of young, vigorous shoots that will bear more fruit.
It’s important to note that the timing of pruning is also crucial. It is generally recommended to prune blueberry bushes during late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This allows the plants to recover and establish new growth before the growing season.
The extent to which you should prune blueberry bushes depends on the variety. For rabbiteye blueberries, prune old canes 6 to 12 inches aboveground to stimulate new cane growth. For highbush blueberries, prune canes at ground level to encourage fruitful root sucker growth. Proper pruning techniques and timing will help ensure healthy and productive blueberry plants.
