Troubleshooting
Blueberry 'Bluecrop' problems — and how to fix them
Blueberry 'Bluecrop' (Vaccinium corymbosum 'Bluecrop') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Yellowing leaves (chlorosis)
Soil too alkaline or watered with hard tap water locks up iron. Water with rainwater, mulch with ericaceous material, and feed with an acidic fertiliser or chelated iron.
Drying out
Shallow roots make it very sensitive to drought, hitting fruit size and bud set. Keep evenly moist and mulch; never let containers dry out in summer.
Birds stripping ripe berries
Birds will take the whole crop as it colours. Net the bush before fruit ripens or grow in a fruit cage.
Grey mould (botrytis) on fruit
Damp, crowded growth rots ripening berries. Improve airflow by thinning old canes and remove affected fruit promptly.
Prevent blueberry 'bluecrop' problems before they start
Most blueberry 'bluecrop' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
- Common blueberries problems — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Blueberry 'Bluecrop' watering schedule
- Blueberry 'Bluecrop' light requirements
- Best soil mix for blueberry 'bluecrop'
- Blueberry 'Bluecrop' temperature & humidity
- Full blueberry 'bluecrop' care guide
Looking for blueberry 'bluecrop' in general rather than its problems? Read the full blueberry 'bluecrop' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Blueberry 'Bluecrop' problems — FAQ
Why is my blueberry 'bluecrop' yellowing leaves (chlorosis)?
Soil too alkaline or watered with hard tap water locks up iron. Water with rainwater, mulch with ericaceous material, and feed with an acidic fertiliser or chelated iron.
Why is my blueberry 'bluecrop' drying out?
Shallow roots make it very sensitive to drought, hitting fruit size and bud set. Keep evenly moist and mulch; never let containers dry out in summer.
Why is my blueberry 'bluecrop' birds stripping ripe berries?
Birds will take the whole crop as it colours. Net the bush before fruit ripens or grow in a fruit cage.
Why is my blueberry 'bluecrop' grey mould (botrytis) on fruit?
Damp, crowded growth rots ripening berries. Improve airflow by thinning old canes and remove affected fruit promptly.