You should harvest container blueberries when they turn deep blue and pull off the stem with a light touch. Don't pick them the moment they change color. Waiting a few extra days gives you bigger and sweeter berries.
I learned about when to pick blueberries through trial and error over several seasons. My first year I grabbed every blue berry I saw. They looked ripe but tasted sour. Now I wait three days after they turn blue and the flavor is so much better.
When I first noticed berries changing color, I got too eager and picked them right away. Those early berries were firm and tart. Leaving them on the bush a bit longer made all the difference in taste and texture.
Oregon State research shows that blueberries can grow up to 20% larger after they first turn blue. The sugar content also rises during this final stage. Patience pays off with better fruit.
Look for ripe blueberry signs before you pick. The whole berry should be uniform deep blue with no red or green spots. Check the stem end where berries hang on the bush. Any pink there means wait a few more days.
The tug test tells you when berries are ready. Gently roll a berry between your fingers. Ripe fruit falls off with almost no pressure. If you have to pull hard, the berry needs more time on the bush.
Most varieties ripen over two to three weeks rather than all at once. Check your plants every five to seven days during peak season. You get several harvests from each bush instead of just one big pick.
When to pick blueberries also depends on your climate. Northern growers see ripe fruit from July through August in most years. Southern zones can start in May or June with early varieties.
Pick into a wide container so berries don't pile up and crush each other. Fresh ripe blueberry signs include a slight dusty coating called bloom. This natural wax protects the fruit and shows they haven't been handled much.
Store your harvest in the fridge right after picking. Blueberries keep well for one to two weeks when chilled. Don't wash them until you're ready to eat since water speeds up spoiling.
Freeze extra berries in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Then bag them once solid. This keeps them from clumping together. Frozen blueberries last for months and work great in smoothies and baked goods.
Read the full article: How to Grow Blueberries in Pots Successfully
