Question
QUESTION: Hi! I have two blueberry plants growing in my backyard(one blubecrop and one patriot). Recently, we had some strong winds and rains come by. Almost all of the flowers that were in bloom and opened on my plant blew off on to the ground. Now all that remains are leaves and a few unopened flower buds. Will affect my plant greatly since there is nothing to pollinate flowers now? Will it still produce fruit this year?

ANSWER: Dear Victor:

The flower blooms are the first formation of the berries and since you have lost most of them to to the wind and rain; unfortunately they are gone for this season.  However, the remaining unopened buds will provide you with a small crop.  Also, consider adding extra plant food and thorough watering which may encourage additional flowering.  You may want to consider assisting the remaining flowers by manually pollinating them using a cotton swab to collect the pollen and transfer to adjacent flowers.

Sincerely,

Mack Jean
AllExperts
Master Gardener
Tennessee

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your responce. I was wondering, how would I hand pollinate the remaining flowers? All i see is a few anthers that are a yellowish color. When I poke the anther with something it seems that no pollen comes off at all.

Answer
Dear Victor:

I think you're trying to self-pollinate too early.  Suggest you wait for 7 to 10 days and try again.  Based on information you provide, the flowers have not matured sufficiently for this process.

Sincerely,

Mack Jean
AllExperts
Master Gardener
Tennessee