Blueberry bushes should generally be planted with spacing that allows them enough room to grow and be maintained effectively. Here are the recommended distances based on various sources:
- Blueberries can be planted as close as 2 to 2.5 feet apart if you want to form a dense hedge, or spaced up to 6 feet apart if grown individually. When planting in rows, leave 8 to 10 feet between rows to allow for mowing or cultivation equipment
- For Northern Highbush varieties, a basic spacing is 4 to 5 feet between plants and 10 to 12 feet between rows. Intensive planting can be done at 4 feet between plants and 8 feet between rows. Rabbiteye blueberries require about 8 feet between plants and 12 to 14 feet between rows, with intensive spacing at 6 to 8 feet between plants and 10 feet between rows. Southern Highbush blueberries are spaced about 6 feet apart with 10 to 12 feet between rows, or 5 to 6 feet apart with 8 to 10 feet between rows for intensive planting
- For smaller or home garden plantings, spacing plants 3 to 4 feet apart in rows with 6 to 8 feet between rows is common. If planting in a block rather than rows, 4 to 6 feet spacing in all directions is suggested to allow room for growth and maintenance
- Lowbush blueberries are spaced closer, about 2 to 4 feet apart, with row spacing of 6 to 8 feet
- A spacing of about 1.5 to 2 meters (approximately 5 to 6.5 feet) apart is typical for many varieties, with closer spacing (1 to 1.5 meters) if grown as a hedge
- For practical home garden use, planting bushes about 5 feet apart allows them to grow without touching too much and provides space for harvesting and pruning
In summary, a good general guideline is:
- 2 to 2.5 feet apart for hedgerows or very dense plantings
- 4 to 6 feet apart for individual bushes in home gardens
- 8 to 10 feet between rows for ease of maintenance and equipment access
Adjust spacing based on the blueberry variety and available space, ensuring enough room for sunlight, air circulation, and ease of harvesting and pruning.
