How to Grow Blueberry in New Zealand
Blueberries need acidic free-draining soil (pH 4.5 to 5.5), so plant in a mix made for acid-loving plants and mulch with pine bark or sawdust. Rabbiteye types suit warmer northern gardens while highbush types want more winter chill. Plant in winter while dormant and net against birds.
When to plant blueberry in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | June, July, August |
| Auckland | June, July, August |
| Waikato & BoP | June, July, August |
| Wellington | June, July, August |
| Nelson & Marlborough | June, July, August |
| Canterbury | June, July, August |
| Otago & Southland | June, July, August |
| Central Otago | June, July, August |
Best blueberry varieties for NZ
- Maru — Rabbiteye type that crops late summer to mid autumn, low chill, well suited to northern New Zealand. (Awapuni Nurseries)
- Tifblue — Heavy-cropping rabbiteye with good flavour, vigorous and hardy. (Kings Plant Barn, garden centres)
- Dawson — Early rabbiteye, reliable home-garden cropper, plant with another rabbiteye for best yield. (Awapuni Nurseries)
How to grow blueberry
- Space plants about 120cm apart.
- Sow seed around 20cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 90 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 1 days.
Companion planting
Grow blueberry near: Strawberry, Azalea, Rhododendron.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Birds, Scale. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant blueberry in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in June, July, August. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy blueberry seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Awapuni Nurseries, Kings Plant Barn, garden centres.