Location: Gold Coast, QLD (zone 4) I took 6 cuttings from my dad’s (mainly uncared for) blueberry shrub about 6 months ago, 5 died as was kinda expected but one has managed to take (all were treated with rooting hormone).
The cutting is just in a generic potting mix at present and while i know blueberry needs a higher acidic soil profile I’ve been hesitant to treat the soil it’s in or repot it due to the small size and fragility of the shoot.
Looking for any advice to help me keep this little battler alive and eventually thriving!?
(I added like 3 or 4 osmocote azalea/rose fert pellets a week ago – I’ve started taking a lot more interest in gardening beyond buying potting mix from Bunnings and hoping for the best, open to all advice)
by Alarming-Meaning-147
2 Comments
Sorry to inform you but that little shoot is a different seed that has germinated next to the cutting
Hey mate,
As someone else has said it’s dead. I’ve had luck with taking blueberry cuttings before. Here’s what i did:
– mix of around 70% perlite and 30% coco coir
– cuttings inside a humidity dome. Vents should be closed. You can get them from Bunnings.
– position them in a spot with full indirect sunlight that gets no direct sunlight on the dome. This is very important as direct sunlight will cook them. Next to a window inside isn’t enough light. I use the south side of my house as it’s the only spot that gets enough light without blistering hot morning or arvo sun in the warmer months.
– use a dibber to insert the cuttings and dip in rooting hormone
– water the mix once and then only again if the mix dries out. It shouldn’t dry out with the dome closed.
– blueberry cuttings take ages to root so be patient.
– take small cuttings that should be shorter than your index finger. No sappy young growth and nothing too woody and old. Snip beneath the node. Take tip cuttings.
– leave a couple of leaves on each cutting. Remove all others with sharp snips. Don’t take cuttings with fruit on them.
Good luck!