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.
Growing blueberries in pots is a great way to enjoy fresh, delicious berries even if you don’t have space for a full garden With the right care and conditions, blueberry bushes can thrive and produce an abundant harvest in containers This complete guide covers everything you need to know about successfully growing blueberries in pots.
Selecting the Right Pot
The most important factor in pot selection is size. Blueberry bushes have spreading root systems and need a fairly large pot generally 5-gallons or larger. Make sure to pick a pot with drainage holes to prevent soggy soil. For optimal growth choose a wide container over a narrow, deep one. Materials like plastic, clay, wood and concrete all work well. Metal or resin pots heat up fastest, which can dry out soil and damage roots during hot weather. Place pots in a sunny spot on a patio, deck or balcony.
Choosing the Best Blueberry Variety
Select an early- mid- or late-season cultivar suited to your climate. Northern highbush types like ‘Duke’ and ‘Bluecrop’ are best for colder areas. Rabbiteye varieties like ‘Climax’ thrive in warm climates with mild winters. For maximum harvest plant two different cultivars that bloom at the same time for cross-pollination. Some top potted varieties include ‘Sunshine Blue’, ‘Northblue’ and ‘Northland’.
Providing the Right Soil
Blueberries require acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.0. A peat moss based potting mix amended with sulfur is ideal. Mixing peat with compost or coconut coir also works well. Avoid standard potting soils, which are too neutral. Use an acidic fertilizer to maintain optimal soil conditions. Applying used coffee grounds can help lower pH.
Planting the Bushes
Plant blueberries at the same soil depth as the nursery pot. Bush tops should sit just above the rim. Space plants 18-24 inches apart for good air circulation. Water thoroughly after planting and apply mulch to retain moisture. Let plants establish for a few months before allowing berries to grow the first year.
Caring for Container Blueberries
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Sun: At least 6 hrs direct sun daily. Morning sun is best.
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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not saturated. Water whenever top inch is dry.
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Fertilizer: Use acidic plant food at recommended rates when bushes leaf out. Avoid high nitrogen products.
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Pruning: In late winter, remove low, inward facing branches and cut back tips to shape bush.
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Pollination: Plant compatible cultivars near each other and attract pollinators like bees.
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Pests & Disease: Aphids, mummy berry and botrytis blight are potential problems to watch for.
Overwintering Potted Blueberry Bushes
In cold climates, container grown blueberries will need winter protection. Move pots to an unheated garage or cellar before temperatures drop below 20°F. Check soil moisture monthly and water minimally during dormancy. Resume normal care when risk of spring frost passes. Apply fresh mulch and prune away any dead stems or branches.
How to Harvest Blueberries from Pots
Depending on the variety, harvest season for potted blueberries runs from early summer through late summer. Berries are ready to pick when they turn completely blue. Harvest every few days during peak season. Gently roll ripe berries off bush with thumb and forefinger to avoid damaging stems. Store picked berries in the refrigerator and rinse just before eating or cooking.
Tips for Maximizing Yields
- Choose early and late varieties to extend harvests
- Plant two or more cultivars for better pollination
- Site pots in sunniest spots possible
- Provide consistent moisture and acidic soil
- Mulch to maintain optimal soil conditions
- Fertilize regularly to feed plants
- Prune annually to shape bushes and remove dead wood
- Check for and control pests before they spread
With excellent care, a 5-gallon pot can yield 3 to 4 quarts of berries per bush. Follow these guidelines for success growing blueberries in containers and enjoy the sweet payoff of homegrown berries. Let this complete guide help you reap big harvests from your potted blueberry patch.
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How to Grow Blueberries in Pots
If youve grown other fruit-bearing plants, you know you have to sit tight for the long haul. With little care, your plants can happily produce fruit for years, but youll want to start them right. So, opt for the largest pot possible for blueberry plants and plant one plant per pot.
Choose a container at least 18 inches deep with ample drainage holes. For even better drainage, place pots on top of bricks. Wooden half-barrels and other deep, wide, weatherproof containers work well for keeping blueberry plants in for the long term.
How to Plant Blueberries in Containers
In most areas, plant blueberries in containers in the spring or late fall. Wait to plant the bushes in containers until early to midspring in the coldest zones.
Grow Blueberries In Containers the RIGHT Way!
FAQ
Do blueberries grow well in pots?
Highbush blueberries would prefer to be planted in well-prepared soil in the ground but with proper planting and care, they can be grown in containers. Select a well-draining, large weather-proof container like a wooden barrel planter.
How many years does it take for a blueberry bush to produce fruit?
Plants won’t have much fruit the first 2 to 3 years. Harvest is bigger after 5 years. Blueberry plants grow slowly and reach full size in 8 to 10 years.
Can I grow a blueberry bush in a 5 gallon bucket?
Spacing, Depth, and Support. For pollination to occur, you’ll need more than one blueberry plant. Replicate the spacing, depth, and support for all of them—plant one blueberry bush per pot. You can start one plant in a 5-gallon bucket, but it will eventually need repotting.
Do blueberries grow best in sun or shade?
Blueberries need full sun, which is defined as a minimum of 6 hours a day of direct, uninterrupted, unshaded sunlight falling directly on the plants. If you have a spot that gets this much sun, then you can grow blueberries, whether in containers or in the ground. If you don’t have this much sun, then you can’t.
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.