However, this method is costly and may not be economically feasible. An alternative method to improve rhizome spread and reduce erosion is to apply surface mulch to bare areas. Both of these techniques will be covered in this fact sheet. Management of new plantings includes mulching, fer tilization, pruning and pest control. Using mulches alone involves selection of the proper mulch for the proposed effect.
Seedlings produce vigorous plants that develop rhizomes readily and spread rapidly.
Each seedling is a different clone or variety, and therefore, date of ripening and potential yield can be quite variable, as is the case in existing blueberry fields. Cuttings taken in late June and rooted in propagation beds can be ready for planting after two growing seasons. Cuttings produce uniform plants and yields comparable to the mother plant. They have an upright growth habit with less consistent rhizome development than seedlings. Therefore, it will take longer to fill in bare spots using cuttings.