North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[Hilborn.E@epamail.epa.gov]

"Several of my plants have 2 branches coming out of the soil--can I
prune
these back (about 8 inches) in hopes of having fuller bushes as opposed
to bushes that are only 2 long branches?  The plants came this way and I
would really like to shape them up a bit."

My experience is primarily with rabbiteyes and some southern highbush
varieties.

Barbara, are your branches shoots coming out of the ground or lateral
branches?.

My blueberries initially put out a whip-like shoot that gets 4 feet or
so, then the shoot will develop laterals.  I have never pruned these
shoots as they represent the vigorous new growth that I wish to preserve
for fruiting.

Betsy Hilborn
7a NC