The first time I heard of the Pink Lemonade blueberry, I didn’t know if it was a plant or some type of drink, not to mention my confusion about the word pink in it!
I believe that I have to thank the name of the plant because that’s why I decided to research and eventually add this amazing plant to my garden. So, yes, the Pink Lemonade blueberry is a unique type of blueberry.
It’s way sweeter than the standard variety and it produces lovely bell-shaped blossoms that add to the beauty. If you ensure all the right conditions, the plant will reward you with a constant supply of delicious fruits until October.
In this article, I’ll show you how to grow the Pink Lemonade blueberry and get a bountiful harvest!
Let’s get started!
A Guide To Planting Pink Lemonade Blueberry
No matter which plant you grow, the essential thing is to employ the correct planting technique. This includes choosing the ideal spot, the right time for planting, and learning how to plant it.
Here’s all you need to know about planting the Pink Lemonade blueberry!
Where To Plant
When it comes to growing blueberries, you should know that these plants absolutely adore the sun. The only way to encourage these berries to generate fruits is by choosing the sunniest spot possible.
You can add it to different types of gardens, such as informal or coastal, but the primary goal is to ensure the right growing conditions.
If you don’t have a sunny spot in your garden where you can plant your Pink Lemonade blueberry in the ground, you can grow it in a container. This variety performs well in containers, which is great news for gardening enthusiasts who lack space.
Growing this blueberry next to other varieties is a great idea because the plant will benefit highly from cross-pollination.
Have you selected the spot? Now let’s see the ideal planting time and technique!
When And How To Plant
You’ll most likely find bare root specimens or transplants of this variety in nurseries during April and May. This is definitely the best time to plant blueberries in general.
Make sure to prepare the soil for your Pink Lemonade about a month before planting.
The hole for your Pink Lemonade blueberries should be approximately twice as deep and wide as the root ball. After putting the plant in the ground, make sure to cover it with about 3-4 inches of potting soil.
Pack everything well, irrigate thoroughly, and put a layer of mulch on the surface of the growing substrate to help the soil retain moisture.
If you are making a hedge, ensure approximately 24-36 inches of space between each Pink Lemonade blueberry plant. On the other hand, the individual plants benefit more from spacing of about 6 feet.
How To Care For The Pink Lemonade Blueberry
Now that you know everything about planting delicious Pink Lemonade blueberries, it’s time for you to learn which conditions to ensure for the healthiest growth.
Light
As mentioned, the Pink Lemonade and every other blueberry variety perform best when exposed to full sun for at least 6 hours every day.
Lack of light in these plants can result in legginess and fewer fruits, which is definitely the last thing you want. Remember, you can always go with containers if there’s not a suitable spot available for in-ground planting.
Soil And Watering Schedule
There are two things to pay attention to when preparing the soil for your Pink Lemonade: pH level and drainage.
When it comes to the soil pH for blueberries, you should opt for acidic growing substrate; 6.1 is ideal for these blueberries.
Make sure the soil has good drainage and amend it with free-draining ingredients if necessary. A key to healthy Pink Lemonade blueberries is also moist soil, so add a 4-6 inch thick layer of mulch.
Temperature
The Pink Lemonade is a more compact variety and it performs best in USDA zones 4 through 9.
It won’t need as much of a cold period as other rabbiteye blueberry varieties.
Fertilizing
For the healthiest growth and an abundant yield, you’ll need to fertilize your blueberries. I always use compost for all blueberry varieties, not just Pink Lemonade.
If you notice the plants grow slower than they should, you can feed them with a low dose of fertilizer made for acid-loving plants.
Pruning
This unique blueberry variety generates fruits on the 2-3-year-old branches. This means that you’ll need to remove the older growth for more fruits.
Pruning enhances airflow within the plant, which means more Pink Lemonade blueberries!
Repotting Pink Lemonade Blueberry
If you decide to grow your Pink Lemonade blueberries in a container, make sure to select a porous pot with plenty of holes in the bottom.
For mature plants, opt for a container that’s approximately 24 inches deep and wide so that the roots have enough space to spread.
Of course, choose smaller containers for juvenile plants and repot them when they outgrow them. Always repot this blueberry variety in the fall to reduce the risk of transplant shock.
Take your blueberry plant out of its current container and remove the excess soil around the roots. Add growing substrate to the new container, place your Pink Lemonade blueberry in the center, and irrigate well.
Remember that potted plants, including blueberries, lose water quickly, so make sure to regularly check the soil.
Common Issues
One of the things I especially like about the Pink Lemonade variety is that it’s not susceptible to pests. However, pay attention to deer and rabbits because these critters love feeding on the fruits as much as we do.
You may already know that birds enjoy munching on berries, so I recommend installing bird netting to protect the fruits.
How To Propagate
Once you taste these blueberries, I’m sure you’ll want more plants in your garden. Luckily, it’s not hard to multiply Pink Lemonade varieties.
All you need to do is take semi-ripe softwood cuttings in late spring or summer. The Pink Lemonade cutting should be approximately 4-6 inches long and it should be taken from a slightly woody stem.
Always cut at a 45-degree angle and make sure to remove the bottom leaves from the Pink Lemonade blueberry cutting.
Insert each cutting in a suitable growing substrate, put them in a sheltered location where temperatures are approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and keep the soil consistently moist.
You can expect the Pink Lemonade blueberry cuttings to generate new roots in about 6 months, and you can transplant them when spring arrives.
Pink Lemonade Blueberry Companions
By ensuring the right growing conditions, your Pink Lemonade blueberry will most certainly reward you an abundance of delicious berries.
However, companion planting is an excellent way to ensure the healthiest growth of your blueberries and avoid many unnecessary issues.
There are many blueberry companions to choose from but for Pink Lemonade, peonies and Rhododendrons are ideal.
These species thrive in similar conditions as Pink Lemonade blueberries, and will add a special touch of beauty to your outdoor space!