Propagating blueberries from cuttings turned into my go-to trick after I snagged a branch from a friend’s bush – who knew you could grow your own berries that easily? It started as a wild experiment in my tiny Utrecht garden, and now I’ve got a thriving patch. With a little patience and a snip here and there, you can too – here’s how I do it, flops and all!
What You Need
No fancy gear required – just grab these:
- 6-8 inch (15-20 cm) cuttings from a healthy blueberry bush – softwood in summer works best.
- A sharp pair of pruning shears – my rusty ones still do the trick.
- A pot with well-draining soil – I mix 1 part sand to 1 part peat (1:1 ratio).
- Rooting hormone powder – optional, but it speeds things up.
- A plastic bag or cover – keeps the humidity in.
- Water – about 1 cup (250 ml) to start.
How to Do It
Step 1: Snip Your Cuttings
Head out after a dry spell – I aim for June or July when the bush is lush. Cut 6-8 inch (15-20 cm) pieces from soft, green stems, just below a leaf node. My first try was a mess – I snipped too short and got nothing but sticks.
Step 2: Prep for Propagating Blueberries from Cuttings
Strip the lower leaves, leaving 2-3 at the top – dip the cut end in rooting hormone if you’ve got it. Poke a hole in your soil mix (equal sand and peat), pop the cutting in 2 inches (5 cm) deep, and firm it up. I overwatered once and drowned the poor things – keep it moist, not soggy.
Step 3: Create a Mini Greenhouse
Cover your pot with a plastic bag or a cut-up soda bottle – it traps humidity like a charm. Set it in bright, indirect light – my balcony gets morning sun, perfect at 65-75°F (18-24°C). In colder zones, wait till spring (April-May); warmer spots can start earlier (March).
Step 4: Wait and Transplant
Check after 6-8 weeks – if you see roots or new growth, you’ve nailed it! I left mine too long once and got a root tangle. Move them to bigger pots with acidic soil (1 gallon/4 liters) or your garden when they’re sturdy – they’ll fruit in 2-3 years.
Propagating blueberries from cuttings is so doable – my first batch flopped when I forgot the cover, but now I’ve got bushes popping berries every summer. It’s a cheap thrill for any backyard or patio – give it a shot, you’ll be hooked too!