Strawberries & Blueberries

[Garden06]

How does strawberries & blueberries grow in those big barrel containers?
Do they do better in the ground? Any and all information would be much appreciated!

[opabinia51]

I don't know about big barrel containers but, I would think that it would be the same as growing strawberries and blueberries in any container. I've never done blueberries in a container so, can't really comment on that.

Strawberries do well both in containers and in the ground. Blueberries are best planted with at least 2 to 3 different varieties in the same area so, if you had a container that was large enough, go for it.

[Garden06]

Thanks for the help I will try it!

[opabinia51]

You are most welcome, happy gardening!

[aqh88]

For growing blueberries in pots or barrels try Sunshine Blue. It self polinates and does not need a 2nd blueberry variety or even 2 of the same plant to get blueberries. It also gets 4' high max and someone said their plant is only 18" high on year 2 but producing plenty of blueberries already. It also tolerates higher ph soil than most blueberries. Of my 3 plants it's the only one that is still happily growing green leaves, flowers, and even berries already. I'm hoping the other 2 make it but otherwise I'm going to replace them with 2 more Sunshine Blue. I got mine from parkseed which lists it as growing in zones 5-9 but I've talked to several people that have it growing inside provided you have enough light and room for a big pot or barrel.

[opabinia51]

Hi Aq, no blueberry plant needs a second strain for production but, they all have higher yields and grow much better with one or more strains but, thanks for the information. Sounds like a nice strain.

[grandpasrose]

Opa, I have to disagree with you. There are some cultivars of blueberries that are self pollinating, but most aren't.
I quote Rodale's Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening - "Because most blueberries are not self-fertile, you must plant at least two different cultivars to get fruit, and three are even more effective for good cross-pollination."
Also, quoting From the Ground Up - "All of today's hybrid blueberries need to be planted with a second variety that flowers at the same time to ensure cross-pollination."

I would plant two different varieties just to be on the safe side, and then it doesn't matter if it's self-fertile or not.

Val

[opabinia51]

Well, I'll have to take your word for that Val because from what I've heard you just get a better crop with one or more cultivar. Thanks for the heads up.