A deep loam or sandy loam with high organic matter is best. Peat lands are the blueberry's natural habitat in other countries. Soil pH can be lowered using sulphur or aluminium sulphate and raised with dolomite or lime. Consult your Agriculture Western Australia adviser for advice on changing the pH of your soil. Sites subject to long periods of flooding are also unsuitable as blueberries are susceptible to Phytophthora root rots.
Blueberries are susceptible to late spring frosts and hot dry summer winds, so shelter is necessary.
The organic matter content of the soil can be increased through cover cropping and applying mulch after planting. Blueberries have a shallow fibrous root system with no root hairs, so they need supplementary irrigation during the growing season. Winter in the Perth hills area, Donnybrook, Manjimup and Mt Barker areas is cool enough to meet the blueberry's chilling requirement. The coastal areas of Margaret River and Albany may be cold enough depending on the moderating affect of the ocean. Rabbiteye blueberries can be grown on a wide range of soil types in areas with a hot summer and a mild winter.