When to Plant Blueberry in Perth, Mediterranean Guide

Plant March to August. Right now in September it is out of season. The next planting month is March.

Published · Last reviewed · By Garden Buddy
Growing advice is reviewed by hand. Planting dates, current conditions and prices on this page update daily.

This Blueberry guide is written for the Mediterranean zone, which takes in Perth, Adelaide and Bunbury. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Cairns Brisbane Sydney Melbourne Canberra Alice Springs

Also handy: will it frost this week? and what grows in shade.

Blueberry

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Acid-loving shrub that MUST have acidic soil (pH 4.5-5.5). Most Australian soils are too alkaline. Growing in pots with specialist acidic potting mix is the most reliable approach for most home gardeners. Three main types: northern highbush (high chill, cool climates), southern highbush (low chill, warm climates), and rabbiteye (tough, heat-tolerant, moderate chill). Grafted plants on rabbiteye rootstock now available for improved performance.

Best Planting Window for Mediterranean

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
- - P P P P P P - - - -

P = Planting window

Plant autumn-winter. In-ground possible in naturally acidic soils.

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How to Grow Blueberry in Mediterranean Australia

When to Plant

Plant autumn-winter. In-ground possible in naturally acidic soils.

Soil
ACIDIC soil, pH 4.5-5.5. This is non-negotiable. Use 50:50 peat moss and pine bark for pots. In-ground only in naturally acidic soils (rare in Australia). Add sulphur to lower pH - takes 3-6 months to work.
pH Range
4.5-5.5 (CRITICAL - will not thrive outside this range)
Sunlight
Full sun to part shade. Morning sun with afternoon shade ideal in hot zones. At least 6 hours direct sun for best fruiting.

Companion plants: Azalea, Rhododendron, Strawberry (woodland types)

Avoid planting near: Lime-loving plants, Concrete paths (leach alkalinity into soil)

Mediterranean Growing Tips for Blueberry

Recommended Varieties

  • Southern highbush: Sunshine Blue, O'Neal, Star
  • Rabbiteye: Tifblue, Brightwell
  • Northern highbush in Adelaide Hills

Key Challenges

  • Dry summers
  • Variable soil pH
  • Need consistent irrigation

Pro Tips

  • Good zone for blueberries with appropriate variety choice.
  • Adelaide Hills has ideal conditions. Cool winters, acidic soils.
  • Perth: southern highbush varieties in pots work well.

Harvesting Blueberry

When ready: Berries turn fully blue/purple, then wait 3-5 more days. Ripe berries detach with a gentle roll of the thumb, no tugging needed. Taste test: sweet with slight tartness.

How to harvest: Pick by hand, rolling berries gently off cluster. Harvest every 2-3 days as berries ripen unevenly. Early morning harvest for best quality.

Where to next

What blueberry costs in the shops right now, retailer by retailer, updated daily.

Also worth sowing in the mediterranean zone this September: Ginger, Beetroot, Chilli Peppers and Cucumber.

Supermarket Price

Current average retail: $21.74/kg (12-month range: $20.00–$36.00)

Grow your own and save on grocery bills.

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Common Questions About Blueberry

When do you plant blueberry in Australia?

It depends on your climate zone, not the calendar month alone. Planting months by zone:

Which zone am I in?

Type your postcode into the box under the heading and the page tells you, and links this crop in your own zone if it differs. Or look it up on the grow zone map. This page is the Mediterranean zone, Perth is its reference city.