The Cold-Hardy Dwarf Blueberry Variety That You Can Grow In A Pot

Few summer activities rival picking blueberries straight off the bush. Imagine your mouth and hands sticky with juices after a fresh harvest. With a popular dwarf variety of blueberry bush, you can enjoy this tasty treat with ease when grown in a container. The Northland variety is a hybrid cross between a northern highbush (Vaccinium corymbosum) and a lowbush (Vaccinium augustifolium). Lowbush blueberries are often managed as a wild variety. Northern highbush blueberries are cultivated varieties created to produce plentiful berries in the summer. But along with being productive, the Northland variety is a smaller, compact option ideal for growing in a pot. This added convenience makes growing blueberries something almost any gardener can try.

Because the Northland blueberry variety is a hybrid between the highbush and lowbush species, the result is a shorter plant. This variety grows up to 4 feet tall, fairly short compared to the 6 to 7 feet that northern highbush blueberries can reach at maturity. The plant itself exhibits vigorous growth yet remains compact enough for container cultivation. The sweet berries produced by the Northland bush are also appealing to gardeners who love to make jellies and jams. And perhaps most importantly, this bush is touted as the most cold-hardy highbush blueberry to grow. With excellent adaptation to harsh temperatures, you can comfortably grow this bush in U.S. Hardiness Zones 3 to 7. But remember, despite the Northland's cold hardiness, you will need to learn how to grow and care for a blueberry plant before you will have success.

There are a few must-know tips to grow blueberries in containers for a fresh harvest, including preparing the optimum soil conditions. Although somewhat adaptable to different soils, you will still want to maintain the right acidity. Most blueberries thrive in fairly acidic soil in the range of 4.0 to 4.8, so aim for that. The soil should also be well-draining to avoid disease and high in organic matter to support the bush's heavy yields. Growing blueberries in containers can be helpful if your garden soil is not easy to amend.

With its rounded growth habit and smaller size, the Northland cultivar grows well in a pot. Opt for a 10-gallon pot or bucket for a half-high cultivar like the Northland variety. If you're wondering whether it is better to plant blueberries in the ground or in pots, it often depends on a few factors. Containers make it easier to adjust pH levels and position the plant in full sun. Growing the Northland bush in a pot also allows you to move it to a sheltered location, which can help protect it from extreme wind exposure. Just keep in mind that more than one variety grown together will lead to higher yields, as Northland is only somewhat self-fertile.