Propagation of Blueberry

Compiled by Phytotronics, Inc.

Highbush Blueberries are not easy to propagate by cuttings, but, good results can be obtained. There are many ways to do it. It will take trials to determine which methods and rate will work best for you. Always use the best quality cuttings. Junk cuttings yield junk plants!

Treat the cuttings using Hortus IBA Water Soluble Salts by solution methods or Rhizopon AA #3 by the dry dip method.

How to root blueberry cuttings:

Cutting selection:

Take cuttings while plants are dormant; vigorous, firm, pencil-size, unbranched shoots of the previous season’s growth. Early to mid to Spring is when cuttings should be taken. Only use vegetative wood without fruit buds.

Softwood cuttings:

Blueberries root more easily by softwood cuttings. They require a mist system and well ventilated propagating structures. They are susceptible to leaf diseases. Because of control and disease, softwood cuttings require more control then hardwood cuttings. Shoots of the first seasonal flush of growth make the best wood for cuttings. Take cuttings before fruit buds start to form.

Taking cutting:

Cuttings should be 5 to 9 inches long, with 2 or 3 leaves. Place cuttings 2 inches deep into rooting media made up of equal parts of perlite and peat moss. Wound the cuttings before hormone treatment.

Rooting hormone treatment:

> Method 1:
Hortus IBA Water Soluble Salts @100-200 ppm IBA by the Basal Long Soak Method.
Soak 1" of the basal end of the cuttings for 24-48 hours, then stick.

> Method 2:
Hortus IBA Water Soluble Salts @1000-1500 ppm IBA by the spray Drip Down Method.
Stick the cuttings, then, spray the leaves of the cutting with the solution until the liquid drips down.

> Method 3:
Rhizopon AA #3 dry powder rooting hormone by the Dry Dip Method.
Dip the basal end of the cutting 3/4-1" into the powder then stick.

Sticking:

Space cutting 2” apart with the top bud just visible.

Media:

Use a well draining soilless media such:
> half peat to half sand or
> half peat to half pearlite

Control:

Use a poly house or use a tunnel to cover the cuttings and control humidity.

Bottom heat:

Use bottom heat at 68-73F

Media moisture:

Keep media moist until leaves appear.

Humidity (Air moisture):

Use misters to keep humidity high.

When leaves appear the poly should be raised slightly for ventilation.

Expected root formation:

Softwood cuttings: root in 2-7 weeks with high success rate.
Hardwood cuttings: root in up to about 8 weeks. Success can range from 50-98%. The basal long soak method will improve rooting success.

Ability to root: variety selection: