Blueberries come from cool, moist, forest clearings in North America. The trick to growing them in hot, dry Southern California is to choose the low-chill types.
Blueberries need an acid soil (pH of 4.5-5.5). Plant bare-root or potted shrubs in large pots filled with azalea mix and peat moss. Place in light shade to full sun.
Use acid-inducing plant food, such as cottonseed.
The plants need a pollinator, meaning you will want to plant at least two.
These shallow-rooted shrubs are susceptible to drought. Water frequently to keep moist, but not wet.
Prune similar to a rose in the winter. Feed when new growth begins.
The Southern Highbush (vaccinium) varieties of blueberries are especially suited to our Southern Californian climate.
Good picks include O'Neal, an early berry with good flavor; Georgia Gem, with medium-size, good tasting fruit; and Sunshine Blue, a midseason blueberry from San Diego.
Sunshine Blue, a self-fruiting blueberry (meaning you don't need to plant at least two of them) "overproduces," said nursery manager Ron Vanderhoff of Roger's Gardens in Corona del Mar. "You'll get so many blueberries you can't eat them fast enough."
Sunshine Blue is unique in other ways. It remains evergreen in the winter, is naturally compact to 3 feet tall, and will produce berries near the beach or inland.
Related article: A to Z plant guide: How to grow everything in Southern California
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