When to Repot a Container of Blueberries

New Plants

• Nurseries and garden centers carry containerized blueberry bushes in standard plastic pots that are not designed for long-term use. These pots crack and degrade. Remove blueberry plants from these temporary pots right away.

Early Spring

• Repot blueberry bushes in the spring, before the bush shows new growth. To control the size of the bush, trim the outer 1 to 2 inches of the root ball and replant in the same container. The bush regrows feeder roots over the course of the growing season.

Damaged Pot

• Repot blueberries if the planting container cracks. A cracked pot could break open, leaving sharp shards and an exposed root ball.

Pot Bound

• A pot-bound plant's roots encircle to pot, growing along the perimeter where there is no insulating soil. The plant dries out quickly and grows poorly. Repot pot-bound plants as soon as the condition is noticed.

Cautions

• The root systems of potted blueberries need winter protection. Move pots to a protected outdoor location and mulch heavily.