Blueberries in Australia: A Complete Guide for Pots, Gardens & Acid-Loving Plants

Blueberries are highly rewarding to grow, but they have specific nutrient and soil needs that must be met for successful fruiting. If you’ve been wondering what the best fertiliser is for blueberry plants—especially in pots or Australian conditions—this guide outlines everything you need to know.

Blueberries and Acidic Soil Preferences

Blueberries are members of the Ericaceae family, which includes azaleas and rhododendrons. These plants thrive in **acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5**. Without the right conditions, blueberry plants struggle to absorb nutrients—even when fertiliser is applied.

Key soil characteristics for healthy blueberries:

Low pH: Between 4.5 and 5.5 for optimal nutrient uptake
Well-drained: Avoid waterlogged soils which lead to root rot
High in organic matter: Compost, pine bark, or peat moss improves moisture retention and structure

For potted blueberries, use an **acidic potting mix** or make your own by combining peat moss, perlite, and aged compost. Do not use standard garden soil for container growing.

What Is the Best Fertiliser for Blueberries?

Blueberries require consistent but gentle feeding, especially during flowering and fruiting periods. The ideal fertiliser should be:

Low in phosphorus: Excess phosphorus can interfere with iron uptake and reduce fruit quality
Rich in nitrogen: Preferably ammonium-based (not nitrate-based), which supports leafy growth in acidic conditions
Formulated for acid-loving plants: Micronutrients like iron, magnesium, and manganese are essential

We recommend Complete Grow’s NPK 20-20-20 applied at low dilution, or our Advanced Formula NPK 4-18-38 with Calcium and Magnesium for flowering and fruit set.

Fertilising Schedule for Blueberries

Late winter: Apply the first feed just before bud burst to support new growth
Spring: Fertilise every 3–4 weeks as plants grow rapidly and begin flowering
Summer: Maintain fortnightly feeding through fruiting season, then reduce as harvest finishes
Autumn–Winter: Cease fertilising to allow plants to go dormant

Apply liquid fertiliser around the root zone, not directly on stems or foliage. Always water before and after application to prevent root burn.

Blueberries in Pots vs Garden Beds

For **potted blueberries**, feed more frequently due to limited soil volume. A light liquid fertiliser every 2 weeks is ideal. For **in-ground blueberries**, apply every 4–6 weeks and topdress annually with composted pine bark or acidic mulch to preserve pH balance.

Common Fertilising Mistakes with Blueberries

Avoiding the following mistakes is crucial to healthy blueberry production:

Using general-purpose fertilisers: Most garden fertilisers are too alkaline or high in phosphorus, which can cause chlorosis (leaf yellowing) and stunted growth
Incorrect pH levels: Even with good fertiliser, blueberries cannot absorb nutrients if pH is above 6.0
Overfeeding: High salt concentrations can damage fine roots; always dilute liquid fertilisers as per instructions
Lack of calcium or magnesium: These deficiencies can cause leaf curl, poor fruiting, or brittle stems

Use pH test kits regularly to keep soil acidity in check, especially in alkaline-prone regions like Western Australia or inland Queensland.

Explore More from Complete Grow

Looking to grow other acid-loving plants like azaleas or camellias? Our full shop range includes solutions tailored to a wide variety of plant types, from flowering ornamentals to fruiting edibles.