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Fruit & Orchards

Wait a second............why am I worried? Blueberries.

edweather USDA 9a, HZ 9, Sunset 28

12 years ago

My container blueberries have been overwintering in my garage. They have started to leaf out so I am taking them outside on nice days. Can't I just leave them outside without any fear of frost or light freezes hurting them? Most blueberry bushes grow outside anyway. Thanks.

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Comments (7)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
12 years ago
in my z5 .. frost potential thru almost 6/1

but freeze thru what.. 5/1 .. if not later ...

leafed out blueberry .. or frankly anything .. MIGHT be able to take a light frost ...

but what about a freeze .??? and what if the roots freeze in the pot.. and thaw the next day.. etc ...

i think you are pushing the envelope ...

ken

ps: a searchable title might have helped others who use the SEARCH function ...
fruitnut Z7 4500ft SW TX
12 years ago
edweather:

The leaves will take some frost but I'd be more concerned about the fruit, assuming you want some. The fruit and fruit buds will be damaged below about 28F. I'd move them inside if you are expecting frost.
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edweather USDA 9a, HZ 9, Sunset 28
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks for the feedback. Then let me ask a stupid ? Aren't Bluecrop and BlueRay supposed to be Z4 or Z5 hardy? What about all the blueberry bushes growing in the ground around here. The ground freezes solid and we have freezes 'til May. Mother nature has her way with them every year, and they always seem to produce. The only reason that I put mine in the garage over the winter is because I had the room. I would have preferred to dig a hole and put the pots in the ground, or put them up against an outside warm north wall and mulch the heck out of the pots, but it just wasn't feasable. Maybe I'm just in an argumentative mood today. Thanks for the reminder about a searchable title. At least there is the word "blueberries" in the title. I'll try and protect them at least until the blossoms pollinate. Thanks. Signed, Argumentative Ed
fruitnut Z7 4500ft SW TX
12 years ago
ed:

Your garage was too warm that's why they are pushing too early. You need a colder location something like you were discussing then the early bloom issues would pass.
edweather USDA 9a, HZ 9, Sunset 28
Original Author
12 years ago
fruitnut, thanks for explaining. Now I get it. The early push needs to be protected. Never expected the warmest winter in about 100 years. The garage never got below 40, and most of the time it was around 45+. Last year the garage was about 10 degrees colder. Thanks again. BTW I have the link to Florida Hill Nursery re: Sweet Crisp, saved in my favorites. Not sure if I'll pull the trigger or not. Do you still recommend FHN for the Sweet Crisp or do you have another source? Thanks again.
fruitnut Z7 4500ft SW TX
12 years ago
Ed:

The plants I got from FHN were alright except I think at least 2 of 10 aren't Sweetcrisp. There are other sources, True Blue and Miller plant nursery both in FL. Also Just Fruits and Exotics.
bob_z6
12 years ago
I kept 3 container blueberries outside along the north side of my house. They are also blocked from the west by an angle in the house and an overhanging porch. The porch probably doesn't have much impact with the sun so low in the sky, but blocking the south and west should keep them much cooler. Even in zone 6b, they aren't showing any signs of leafing out.

Of course, the variety could also impact how quickly they leaf/flower. I have Patriot and Elliot in pots (and lots of others in the ground), but you could have a lower chill variety.

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