Question by Sarah W.
Hi Sarah,
I am having a problem with my blueberry plants. A few of them are turning yellow and dying. I have checked the pH and it is between 5.5 and 6. They get plenty of water but are above ground in bags so the water drains well. I am located in Mildura Victoria.
Sarah's answer
Hi Sarah,
The most common cause of yellow leaves in blueberries is chlorosis caused by a lack of iron. It could be that you don’t have enough iron in the soil, but it is more likely that the plant is having difficulty accessing the iron that is in the soil. This can be caused by poor drainage, however your plants have good drainage so it is most likely due to the soil not being acidic enough. While your soil is acidic, blueberries prefer it to be between 4 – 5. You can add iron sulphate or elemental sulphur as per the directions on the packet to try to reduce the pH further or you can mulch with pine needles or add peat moss to the soil. In containers, a 50:50 blend of potting mix and peat moss can give a good balance. You can also remedy the problem by spraying the leaves above and below with a chelated iron, but it is important to follow the directions exactly. Feeding regularly with a plant food specifically for blueberries or acid loving plants can also help. All the best with your blueberries, I hope they recover.
Cheers Sarah : o)
