Blueberries - Knowledgebase Question

El Cajon, Ca
Avatar for carolarcher1
Question by carolarcher1
July 9, 2007
I purchased 3 blueberry bushes from my local HD store and now the leaves on the plants are turning brown. I live approx 30 miles inland from the coast and the temp lately has been 90 and above, just now cooling to the mid to low 80's. Any suggestions.


Image
Answer from NGA
July 9, 2007
I think what you're describing is drought stress. If you recently planted the blueberries, they may be reacting to the stress by dropping some foliage, especially if they haven't been watered frequently, or if the planting hole is not draining well. Dry soil can cause dieback; wet soil can suffocate roots and cause dieback.

If you have not yet planted the blueberries in the ground, it's possible that the roots have overheated (nursery pots in direct sunshine during the summer months can absorb and radiate heat which can actually bake the roots).

I can only suggest that you keep the plants well watered, whether in-ground or still in the pots, and prune back the dead stems and foliage to encourage healthy new growth.

Best wishes with your blueberry plants.

You must be signed in before you can post questions or answers. Click here to join!

« Return to the Garden Knowledgebase Homepage

Member Login:

( No account? Join now! )

Today's site banner is by Visual_Botanics and is called "Bees and Butterflies"

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.