How Big of a Pot Does a Dwarf Blueberry Plant Need?

Selecting a Container

• You can establish plants in virtually any container. However, if you choose your container with great care, it will help ensure that the plant will thrive. Start a young blueberry in a 5-gallon container and later move it to a 16- to 20-inch container. Select a light-colored container with plenty of drainage holes. Glazed ceramic is the best choice for long-term use, but be sure that the location can support that kind of weight. A good second choice is plastic, but be prepared to re-pot the plant when the plastic container starts to deteriorate.

Soil Mixtures

• Soilless growing mediums are recommended for containerized blueberries. Several mix formulas are appropriate for blueberries in containers, such as a mix of one part spaghum peat moss and one part shredded pine bark. Another mix is made of two parts spaghum peat moss, one part perlite and two parts coir (shredded coconut husk).

Care and Maintenance

• All kinds of containerized plants require a close eye on moisture levels. Keep blueberries moist but not soggy, using light, frequent waterings. Do not set the plant in a saucer or the plant may stay too wet. Some blueberry growers choose to water with a vinegar/water mixture to keep the acid levels high over a long period. Feed an established plant every two weeks with a slow-release fertilizer, such as elemental sulfur, and a fast-acting acidic liquid fertilizer applied according to package directions from spring to mid-summer.

Over-Wintering

• If you live in an area where hard freezes are part of the winter experience, your potted blueberries will need special care in the winter. Because they are above the level of the ground, they, too, risk freezing. Dig a hole the size of the pot and plant it in the ground. Mulch your plant heavily -- four to eight inches of straw mulch is recommended -- and cover the bush in burlap.