What causes poor fruit production?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Many gardeners are often frustrated by the low fruit production of container-grown blueberries. Many factors can severely lower production. I feel your pain with my initial plants until I address the root problems. Once you understand these issues, you can resolve them to produce a lot of fruit. Container growing has its benefits, but it requires special considerations.
Pollination Solutions
- Plant at least two compatible varieties
- Position within 5 feet for bee access
- Hand-pollinate daily during bloom
- Add pollinator-friendly flowers nearby
Chill Hour Management
- Track hours below 45°F (7°C)
- Move pots to colder areas if deficient
- Use temperature data loggers
- Select low-chill varieties if needed
Test the soil pH once a month to avoid nutrient lockout. If it rises above 5.0, the plants will block iron absorption, which is essential to fruit development. I use iron sulfate to adjust the pH when it becomes too high. I had doubled my yields after making this adjustment. I recommend digital meters and not chemical test strips for the most accurate readings.
Ensure 6+ hours of direct light every day. Mobility in container gardening can help achieve optimal light. I turn my pots to follow the sun. With sub-optimum light, flower buds are not produced. My plants that were shaded produced 70% less fruit than sun-exposed plants.
Avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to salt build-up, and flush the soil every three months with rainwater to remove excess fertilizer. Water with acidic fertilizers at half-strength in summer. The plants didn't die from fertilizer burn; they recovered six weeks later after the soil was flushed and they were watered appropriately.
Read the full article: How to Grow Blueberries in Pots Successfully
