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All Blueberry plants sick #842211

Asked July 23, 2023, 7:35 PM EDT

On a Minneapolis city lot I have many plants and fruit trees. I have 10 blueberry plants of different ages from 1 to 10 years. They are in different locations front and back of house. But they all share the same problem this summer, the leaves are turning red and falling off. The crop from the older plants was also very poor. The confusing part is the variation of location but all bushes are in poor health. My other veg and trees are fine.

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Good Morning, 

Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service. 

Please click on this link from the U of M Extension Yard and Garden website: https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-blueberries-home-garden

I am wondering if you have amended the soil around all 10 of your blueberry bush plants for acidic soil. Under Nutrient-related challenges it states: 

Blueberry plants in soil with a pH above 5.5 will struggle to absorb the nutrients they need from the soil.

Signs of pH problems:

  • Chlorosis, or yellow discoloring of the leaves, is usually the first sign of a soil pH problem.
  • Slowed growth.
  • Poor fruit production and general plant failure.
  • Soil amendments don't work quickly enough to fix this in one season.

If you've already dealt with the acidic soil, here is a link to "What's wrong with my plant?" from the website, about blueberry problems: https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/fruit/blueberry/

You might work through the website to review the potential issues. Acidic soil is probably to problem. 

Good Luck!

Maureen Graber Replied July 24, 2023, 8:38 AM EDT

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