Blueberry plants can be successfully grown in Iowa. However, they do have special growing requirements. The blueberry is a member of the Heath or Ericaceae Family. Blueberry plants require a sunny location and well-drained soils high in organic matter. Avoid wet, poorly drained soils.
Blueberries are susceptible to root rots in poorly drained soils.
Soil pH is also extremely important. Blueberries require an acid soil of pH 4.0 to 5.5. Since the pH of most Iowa soils is above this range, the soil pH must be lowered to successfully grow blueberries. Home gardeners can lower their soil pH by adding Canadian sphagnum peat to the soil. Sulfur can also be used to acidify the soil.