On Sat, 12 Jan 2008 19:05:32 -0800 (PST), thisfineday
wrote:


I live in upstate NY, in Otego, right near Oneonta. I'm located
halfway between Albany and Binghamton.

I plan to start trying to propagate this year but haven't found any
advice specifically for my area.

First, I wonder if I could take cuttings as early as April (we're not
sure that there won't be a frost here until mid May).

Second, do I need to keep all the cuttings from one bush in one
container or can I mix the cuttings (I have about 8 varieties and
don't know if they like to be separated or will do just as well mixed
with their field mates. Also should the cuttings in each container be
stuck in at approximately 2" X 2" intervals?

Once the cuttings have rooted (about 4 weeks?) can they be planted in
permanent beds, outside on the blueberry hill,
or do they need to be transplanted into intermediate larger containers
for the winter?

In either case, (on the hill or in containers), do I plant several
cuttings together or does each rooted cutting make it's own bush?

If I can plant directly on the hill, do I dig a hole approximately 8"
across and 8" deep, line it with potting mix of sand/peat moss/and
pine bark 1:1:1; and put the root ball into that, mulching the top
with wood chips?

Thank you in advance for any advice you can give me,
Janet Sutta

Can't answer all these Qs, but I was successful starting blueberries
cuttings, cuttings dusted with rooting hormone and rooted in
(slightly) moist vermiculite, separate containers. I covered each
cutting in a plastic bag and these rooted in a north window, about 2-3
months. Too little water--they wilt. Too much water--they rot. I
then potted up the cuttings in potting soil using peat pots and
transplanted these to my blueberry grove after 6 months. Alternate
varieties when planting. Age the wood chips well before use.