Planting and Caring for Blueberry Bushes
Your first decision is to choose whether to buy a bare root blueberry plant, grow one from cuttings or plant seeds. If you haven't decided this, then check out our How to Grow Blueberries in Pots in the UK Blog first. It will give you all the info you need to decide how to grow them.
Once you've chosen, it's time to plant your blueberry bushes in pots.
So, we've gathered answers to the most commonly asked blueberry growing questions. These are not so much fruit growing tips as things you need to know before growing soft fruit like blueberries. Jump to the question via the link or read on for our step by step guide.
- What size pot should you use for growing blueberries?
- What is the best container for growing blueberries?
- How deep should you plant blueberry bushes?
- What fertiliser is best for blueberries?
- When should you prune blueberries?
- What's the best position for blueberries?
- The best way to stop birds eating blueberries?
- How much water do blueberries need?
- How to mulch blueberries?
- How long until blueberries fruit?
1) What size container is best for blueberries?
Use a pot at least 30–40 cm (12–16 inches) in diameter and depth to accommodate the plant's root system.
It is vitally important not to let your blueberry bush become pot bound as it will stress the plant and cause it to stop fruiting. Once fruit bushes stop fruiting completely they are unlikely to recover so will never fruit again.
2) What is the Best Pot for Blueberries?
To prevent your bush outgrowing its pot, you can grow them in Vigoroot pots which air prune the roots so they will never become pot bound. If you have grown in an ordinary pot then inspect the bottom of the pot each year for compacted roots and if you see them repot into a slightly larger pot.
Top Gardening Tip: Don't be tempted to choose a considerably bigger pot as the plant will put all its energy into new roots rather than fruit and you could get a very poor crop for a couple of years.
3) How to Plant Blueberry Bushes:
Blueberries prefer acidic or ericaceous compost. Fill your large pot or planter (min 30cm or 12") with compost. Remove your blueberry plant from its nursery pot (or unwrap if it came as a bare root plant) and place it in the new pot or hole at the same depth it was in its nursery container (you can see this on the stem). How deep you plant it is important so double check that the soil level is just above the root ball.
Caring for Blueberry Bush:
4) How often to feed blueberries, and what fertiliser to use?
The best fertiliser for blueberry plants is one designed for acid-loving plants (like rhododendrons or azaleas). Use it in early spring and again in late spring to ensure your plant has sufficient nutrients to establish and then produce fruit.
5) How much pruning do blueberries need?
Blueberries only need light pruning. Prune blueberry bushes in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches. This allows better air circulation and encourages new growth and higher fruit yields.
6) Do blueberries need full sun or shade?
Blueberries grow best in full sun, although they can tolerate partial shade. So choose a sunny bed or a position for your pot where it can enjoy the sunshine for most of the day.
7) What is the best way to water blueberries?
Once planted, firm the soil and water well. Take care to keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering as they do not like to have waterlogged roots. Once they are established, blueberries require regular, deep watering, especially during dry spells. A saucer under the pot can help maintain adequate moisture levels.
If you can collect it then rainwater is the ideal thing to use, as tap water can be too alkaline.
8) How to protect blueberries from pests and birds
A Fruit Protection net or loose
Micromesh Fabric is commonly used to prevent birds from eating the fruit. Or a is perfect for the job.Check for any pests like aphids and treat them promptly.
9) Mulching Blueberries
Apply a layer of mulch, such as pine needles or wood chips, around the base of your blueberry plants. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulates temperature, and suppresses weeds.
10) How Long Until Blueberries Fruit?
Growing blueberries in pots is a rewarding venture, but it requires a bit of patience. Typically, blueberry plants take about 2 to 3 years to start producing fruit. But then, with the right care, they can produce fruit for 10 to 15 years so well worth planting some in pots as oppose to in the ground - especially if a house move is on the cards in the next few years.
Please comment below if you found this helpful or have nay further questions about growing blueberries in pots that we haven't answered here.