Blueberries thrive in containers! And, they look beautiful, too. Grow them on your patio, balcony, or in your backyard garden -- all you need to do is provide them with the right environment and protection them from harsh weather. Numerous varieties of blueberries grow upright and are suitable for growing in containers. 

So, if you plan to grow blueberries in pots, learn these eight helpful tips. 

Choose the Right Container

The container matters for growing blueberries. The roots of the blueberry plants spread horizontally, which is why they need large pots. The container should have drainage holes to allow the water to easily flow through it. 

Start with a 5-gallon pot, and as the plant grows, repot it in a barrel or a larger pot at least 24 inches deep and 24 to 30 inches wide. 

Select the Right Variety

Blueberries

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Choose half-high cultivars like 'St. Cloud,' 'Polaris,' 'Northblue,' 'Northsky,' 'Chippewa,' 'Northland,' and 'North Country' for zones 3 to 5. Cultivars like 'Jersey,' 'Tophat,' and 'Patriot' are good for growing in zones 6, 7, and 8. 

The ability to self-pollinate might also be a criterion for choosing a suitable blueberry variety for your home garden. Cultivars like 'St. Cloud' and 'Polaris' do not self-pollinate, but most of the other cultivars do. 

Pro Tip: Plant any two or three varieties together (either in the same or different containers) for better yields. You will need a bigger pot if planting in the same container. 

Prepare the Soil for Blueberries

Preparing soil for blueberries

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Blueberries require well-draining soil with a pH between 4.5 to 5.0, which is slightly acidic. A good thing about growing blueberries in pots is you can provide the required pH to your plant despite the soil available in your area.  

If the soil pH is around 5.7, you can apply elemental sulfur to it. However, if the pH is between 5.5 and 5.7, you do not need sulfur. The fertilizer that you will apply to your blueberry plants will help in reducing the pH over time.

The amount of organic matter in your soil can also result in increasing the pH. So, it is best to use a commercial potting mix for your blueberries with 3 to 20 percent organic content or a 50-50 mix of peat moss and potting soil. Another option is to mix two parts of coconut coir, two parts sphagnum peat moss, and one part perlite. 

Overwinter Blueberry Plants

Planter and potted stem was wrapped with fleece. The plants are protected from the cold in winter and stand on the basement stairs.

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To protect your blueberry plants from harsh cold weather, place them in an unheated garage or bury the pots in the soil from mid to late October until early to mid-Spring. Also, do not forget to mulch the soil surface with 4 to 8 inches of straw in mid-November. 

The bushes will also need some protection from winter winds. Use burlap or place chicken wire fencing around the bushes. You might also need a bird net to protect your blueberries from birds once they are ripe. 

Water Blueberries Periodically

Collected rainwater is ideal for watering blueberries. Water the plant about an inch or two weekly and keep the soil moist, not soggy. You might have to water your plants more frequently in summer. If the top 1 inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, it is time to water your plant. 

Refrain from too much water! Over-watering can turn leaves red too soon and cause large, bland fruits. Try mulching to conserve soil moisture. Add 2 inches of pine bark or chipped hardwood to the soil to ensure consistent moisture to your blueberry plant. 

Pro Tip: Avoid using black-colored pots for growing blueberries, as they will absorb more heat, leading to rapid moisture loss. 

Find the Right Location 

Keep your blueberry pots in full sun. Blueberry plants require at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight. A northern or eastern exposure will be the best for them. However, if you live in warmer zones, you might need to provide some protection to your blueberry plants from the harsh afternoon sun.

You can grow your blueberries indoors all year round. Provide ample sunlight by placing your plant in a front, southern window. Rotate as necessary to avoid being scorched by the sun's rays.

Use Acidic Fertilizers

Blueberries

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Slow-release, acidic fertilizers are the best for growing blueberries in pots. Apply the fertilizer after four weeks of planting and then during spring before the leaves expand. Use a complete 10-10-10 fertilizer or ammonium sulfate. Fertilizers with nitrates, such as ammonium nitrate or calcium nitrate can be toxic for blueberries. 

Prune After a Year

Pruning

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It can take around five years for a blueberry plant to produce high-quality berries. So, no pruning is needed during the first year except for the damaged canes. You should also remove the fat fruits during the first year to help the roots grow better. 

Once the fruits start to appear, prune the blueberry plants once a year, early in the growing season. Pruning blueberry plants is not recommended in fall as the new shoots might die in the cold weather. 

Blueberries in Containers is a Great Idea!

Now that you have all the tips, you can grow and take care of blueberries in pots. Do not forget that the key to growing blueberries in pots is providing a well-draining, acidic soil to the plant. Keep the plant in full to partial shade and overwinter it to protect it from extreme cold. 

How do you grow blueberries in pots? Share your tips in the comments below.Â