We can grow blueberries where we live, but they have very specific soil requirements.
Growing blueberries at high altitude in Colorado can be rewarding, but they require more preparation than many other berry crops because they have very specific soil requirements.
The biggest challenge is that most Colorado soils are naturally alkaline, while blueberries need acidic soil with a pH of 4.5–5.5. Many gardeners have the best success growing blueberries in raised beds or large containers filled with an acidic planting mix designed for blueberries, azaleas, or rhododendrons.
Choose the Right Varieties
Look for cold-hardy northern 'highbush' varieties such as:
Planting two or more varieties improves pollination and often results in larger harvests.
Site Selection
Morning sun with some protection from intense afternoon heat can be beneficial at higher elevations.
Planting Tips
Watering
Blueberries have shallow roots and dislike drying out. At Colorado's altitude and low humidity it is imperative to:
Winter Considerations
Most recommended varieties are hardy enough for Colorado winters, but late spring frosts can damage flowers and reduce fruit production. If a hard freeze is forecast while plants are blooming, cover them overnight with frost cloth or lightweight sheets.
Fertilizing
Use fertilizers formulated for acid-loving plants. Apply lightly in early spring as growth begins and avoid excessive fertilization, which can damage roots.
Protecting the Harvest
One challenge many Colorado gardeners underestimate is birds. Blueberries often become ripe just as birds discover them. Lightweight bird netting is often the only reliable way to ensure you harvest more berries than the birds do.
Is It Worth It?
Absolutely - if you're willing to manage the soil.
For many Colorado gardeners, growing them in large containers or raised beds with acidic soil is the easiest path to success. At our higher elevation, choosing cold-hardy varieties and maintaining the proper soil pH will be the keys to a productive blueberry patch.
The biggest challenge is that most Colorado soils are naturally alkaline, while blueberries need acidic soil with a pH of 4.5–5.5. Many gardeners have the best success growing blueberries in raised beds or large containers filled with an acidic planting mix designed for blueberries, azaleas, or rhododendrons.
Choose the Right Varieties
Look for cold-hardy northern 'highbush' varieties such as:
- Patriot blueberry
- Northland blueberry
- Bluecrop blueberry
- Jersey blueberry
- Northblue blueberry
Planting two or more varieties improves pollination and often results in larger harvests.
Site Selection
- 6–8 hours of sun daily
- Protection from drying winter winds
- Consistently moist, well-drained soil.
- If your soil is clay, don't plant in it. Used a raised bed or large container instead.
- If your soil is sandy remember that it loses moisture and nutrients quickly. Water more frequently and apply a thick 4-inch layer of mulch to preserve moisture.
- Organic-rich growing conditions
Morning sun with some protection from intense afternoon heat can be beneficial at higher elevations.
Planting Tips
- Incorporate rich compost, pine needles, bark or cones (crushed fine), or other acidic organic matter before planting. You can also consider adding elemental sulfur to the soil to lower the pH.
- Space plants about 4–5 feet apart
- Mulch heavily with pine needles, shredded bark, or wood chips.-
Watering
Blueberries have shallow roots and dislike drying out. At Colorado's altitude and low humidity it is imperative to:
- Water deeply and consistently
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Continue occasional watering during dry winter periods when the ground is not frozen
Winter Considerations
Most recommended varieties are hardy enough for Colorado winters, but late spring frosts can damage flowers and reduce fruit production. If a hard freeze is forecast while plants are blooming, cover them overnight with frost cloth or lightweight sheets.
Fertilizing
Use fertilizers formulated for acid-loving plants. Apply lightly in early spring as growth begins and avoid excessive fertilization, which can damage roots.
Protecting the Harvest
One challenge many Colorado gardeners underestimate is birds. Blueberries often become ripe just as birds discover them. Lightweight bird netting is often the only reliable way to ensure you harvest more berries than the birds do.
Is It Worth It?
Absolutely - if you're willing to manage the soil.
For many Colorado gardeners, growing them in large containers or raised beds with acidic soil is the easiest path to success. At our higher elevation, choosing cold-hardy varieties and maintaining the proper soil pH will be the keys to a productive blueberry patch.
Once established, blueberry plants can produce fruit for decades, offer beautiful spring flowers, attractive fall color, and delicious harvests.