Growing blueberries in containers is so easy and productive that you might want to try it even if you have enough in-ground garden space for this antioxidant-rich fruit. Blueberries grow well in pots and are a great solution if you do not have optimal garden soil.
Blueberry plants will thrive and bear fruit in containers if given full sun. However, growing blueberries in pots (or anywhere else) requires patience since most fruit-bearing species grown from seed can take a few years to produce fruit.
Blueberries are a delicious and nutrient-dense fruit that can be grown right at home. With their tangy-sweet flavor and numerous health benefits, it’s no wonder more and more people are getting interested in growing their own blueberry plants. However, not everyone has space for a traditional in-ground garden. This leads many to wonder – can blueberries grow in a pot?
The short answer is yes! With the right conditions, blueberry plants can thrive when grown in containers In fact, containers offer some advantages over in-ground planting for blueberries. By following a few simple guidelines, you can successfully grow happy, productive blueberry plants on your patio, balcony, or doorstep
Why Container Growing is Great for Blueberries
Blueberry plants have fairly specific soil requirements. They need acidic soil with a pH between 4.0-5.5. Most garden soils don’t naturally fall into such a narrow acidity range, so adjusting the native soil can be difficult. With containers, you can control the potting mix and create an ideal growing medium tailored to blueberries from the start.
Container growing also allows you to situate blueberry plants in the sunniest part of your outdoor space. Blueberries require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Containers are portable, so you can move them around to capture sunlight. During winter, you can relocate pots to protected areas instead of having to cover or prune back grounded plants.
In addition, blueberries planted in the ground may not get enough water, especially during hot, dry periods. With containers, it’s easier to monitor soil moisture and water appropriately Fertilizing is also simplified since you can apply nutrients directly to the potted soil as needed
Choosing a Container and Potting Mix
The container you select for your blueberries should be at least 12-24 inches wide and 12-18 inches deep. This will provide enough room for root development while still being portable. Whiskey barrels and other wooden containers work well, as do plastic and resin pots. Make sure whatever you choose has drainage holes in the bottom.
For potting mix, choose an acidic blend made for acid-loving plants like blueberries, azaleas, and rhododendrons. Aim for a pH between 4.5-5.0. You can make your own mix by combining sphagnum peat moss with pine bark, coconut coir, perlite, or vermiculite. Commercial organic potting mixes for blueberries are also available.
Getting the Lighting Right
Place your blueberry pots where they’ll receive full sun – at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Morning sun is particularly important, as it dries dew from the leaves, reducing disease. A spot that gets sun from mid-morning to mid-afternoon is ideal. If possible, avoid planting in fully shaded areas.
Some afternoon shade can be beneficial where summers are extremely hot. Dappled sun or partial shade between 2-4pm will prevent pots from overheating while still providing ample light overall. Just be sure your plants get several hours of direct sun, especially in the mornings.
Watering Well But Not Overwatering
Consistent moisture is key for container blueberries. Their roots are small and grow close to the surface, so pots can dry out quickly. Check soil every few days by digging down an inch or two with your finger. Water thoroughly whenever the top few inches become dry.
Take care not to overwater, however. While blueberry roots need moisture, standing water can lead to root rot and other problems. Make sure your container has drainage holes and that excess water can flow out the bottom after watering. Allow the surface to dry slightly between waterings.
Self-watering containers, drip irrigation kits, and moisture sensors can all help take the guesswork out of watering. Mulching with shredded bark, leaves, or other organic material will also help retain moisture. Aim to keep soil consistently damp but not soggy.
Fertilizing for Acidity
Fertilize container blueberries in early spring and again after fruiting. Use an acidic fertilizer formulated specifically for blueberries and other acid-lovers. Options include cottonseed meal, ammonium sulfate, and commercial blends. Follow label instructions for dosage and timing.
Avoid over-fertilizing, as excess nitrogen can inhibit fruiting and cause damage. Test soil pH periodically using test strips. If pH creeps above 5.5, apply sulfur or an acidifying fertilizer to lower it. A pH between 4.5-5.0 is optimal.
Pruning for Plant Health
Some pruning is beneficial once plants become established. It opens them up to sunlight and air circulation, improving health. For the first 2-3 years, simply remove dead or damaged twigs. After that:
- Prune in early spring before new growth emerges
- Remove weak, crossing, and low-hanging branches
- Thin congested areas and inward-facing branches
- Limit pruning to no more than 30% of plant
- Sterilize pruning tools between plants
Caring for Container Blueberries Through Winter
The roots of container plants are more exposed than grounded plants. Take steps to protect their roots from freezing in winter:
- Move pots to protected areas like garages or under overhangs
- Wrap containers with insulation
- Place in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse
- Bury pots halfway in mulch or surround with straw
- Water sparingly over winter
With proper care, you can harvest tasty homegrown blueberries from containers. Just provide well-drained, acidic soil, ample sunlight and moisture, protection from winter cold, and annual pruning. Enjoy the sweet fruits of your patio blueberry patch for years to come.
Light
Blueberry plants need six to eight hours of sunlight per day. Its easy to overestimate how much sun an area gets, so measuring the sunlight in your garden accurately is essential. A straightforward method is to use a watch to time the hours of full-sun exposure on a typical day during the growing season.
If you live in an area with hot afternoon sun, be aware that blueberry plants can overheat. They likely will appreciate some light shade during this part of the day.
Blueberries in Containers Care
Birds love blueberries just as much as people do. The best way to protect your fruit from feathered poachers is to surround your bushes with bird netting a few weeks before the berries are ripe. While the process may be cumbersome, it works.
How to Grow Blueberries in Pots |Simple and Easy Care Tips|
FAQ
How big of a pot do blueberries need?
Mature blueberries need a container at least 24 inches deep and about 24-30 inches wide. When planting smaller shrubs, start with a smaller container and repot as it grows. Repot in late summer – early fall so roots have enough time to grow before winter.
Can you grow blueberries in a 5 gallon bucket?
We highly recommend these 5-gallon fabric pots by AC Infinity for growing blueberries.Mar 17, 2023
Do blueberries do better in pots or the ground?
Blueberries grow really well in pots. In fact, my experience is, they do better in pots as they need really good drainage and soil on the acidic side. Usually around September/October you will see them in abundance at nurseries.
Can blueberry bushes survive winter in pots?
Because containers do not provide adequate insulation from the cold, be sure to protect container-grown blueberries during the winter to prevent root damage. In mid- to late October, bury containers in the ground at a site where snow is likely to accumulate and where plants will be protected from cold winter winds.
Can you grow blueberries in containers?
Halton Master Gardeners have produced a good, brief information sheet on growing both high- and low-bush blueberries in our area . This article from the University of Wisconsin addresses growing blueberries in containers specifically. Best of luck with your blueberry patch!
Can blueberries grow in pots?
Blueberries make brilliant patio plants and will grow perfectly in pots. Do remember to use ericaceous (slightly acidic pH) compost though as all blueberries are lime intolerant. In autumn, the foliage will provide a bright flourish of scarlet colour before falling off for the winter.
Why do blueberries grow in containers?
It’s easier to control and manipulate both the moisture and pH level of the potting medium in containers than it is in the ground, key factors in growing blueberries because they are picky about having acidic soil, and are sensitive to overly wet or dry conditions.