Plant Doctor Archive

Blueberry bush

My blueberry bushes seem to have a lot of buds on them at present but they have slightly curly leaves that are red tinged on the ends, though not burnt. I couldn't see any insects. The berries fell off before maturing last season, and I only had a small crop. Is there a way to stop that this year? I put sheep pellets on them as a compost-like mixture so I do not know if they were too strong. I also have them in tub soil mix and slow-release fertiliser.

It is natural for new foliage to be slightly curly and tinged red at this time of the year due to the cool temperatures. As temperatures warm up, the red tinge should disappear and the foliage will not be so curly.

The berries dropping off is likely to be caused by insufficient watering at fruit set.

Advice by Dr Dan Blanchon from Unitec's Diploma in Sustainable Horticulture and Bachelor of Resource Management.

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