Blueberries need acidic soil due to their specific nutrient uptake requirements and root structure.
Many gardeners new to growing blueberries ignore this aspect and then wonder why their plants struggle. If you'd like to grow healthy blueberry plants, you will need to pay attention to the soil's pH.
In addition to selling blueberry bushes, we also sell Organic Soil Acidifier to help lower the pH of your soil, creating the ideal growing environment for blueberries.
The soil acidifier is simply sulphur, which organisms in the soil convert to sulphuric acid. This natural process gradually reduces the pH of your soil. The sulphur can be mixed in before planting or can be scratched into the soil surface around established plants.
In the wild, blueberries are commonly found growing in regions where the soil is sandy or peaty, such as pine forests, wetlands, and bogs, which naturally provide the acidic conditions they prefer.
WHY BLUEBERRIES NEED ACIDIC SOIL
Optimal Nutrient Absorption:
- Blueberries require a soil pH between 4.5 and 5.5, which is highly acidic. In this pH range, essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, and phosphorus become more available for the plants to absorb. In neutral or alkaline (basic) soils, these nutrients become less soluble, so the plants can't absorb them, which leads to deficiencies and poor growth.
- Blueberries have shallow, fibrous roots without root hairs, which are typically used by plants to maximize nutrient absorption. The acidity helps make nutrients more accessible directly in the root zone, compensating for the roots' limited ability to seek out nutrients.
Soil Microorganisms:
- Acidic soils support specific beneficial microorganisms that assist blueberry plants in nutrient uptake, particularly iron and other micronutrients. These microorganisms break down organic matter and make nutrients readily available in acidic conditions.
Prevention of Nutrient Imbalance:
- In alkaline (basic) soils, blueberries can suffer from nutrient imbalances, such as yellowing leaves due to iron deficiency (iron chlorosis). Acidic soil helps maintain proper nutrient balance, keeping the plant healthy.
As you can see, blueberries are naturally adapted to acidic soil and require that environment to grow and thrive.