Ph should be 6.0 - 6.5 (slightly acidic).
Water should be plentiful (about 1-2 inches per week). That could also depend on the soil makeup (if more clay, less and if more airy use more H2O. However, they will not perform well if in heavy soil. Preferably use 1/3 sandy loam, 1/3 top soil and 1/3 pure organics such as composted manures/peat, etc.