4 Most Important Things To Pay Attention To When Growing Blueberries Indoors Year-Round

Last Updated on March 6, 2022 by Guillermina

Is growing blueberries indoors year-round a difficult or fun and easy hobby? Stay with us and find out.

Blueberries are a sweet fruit that is irresistibly reminiscent of summer. Those grown by cultivation are sweeter than those grown in the wild; however, they still have some common characteristics such as deep blue-purple color, thin translucent skin, and tiny seeds.

In addition to being a delicious treat, they are considered a superfood due to their extremely rich nutritional composition. Therefore, keep reading and discover the full range of benefits that come from growing blueberries indoors all year round.

Description & Benefits Of Consumption

Blueberries are a popular fruit native to North American countries. The plant grows in the form of a bush and bears a specific fruit, small round berries with a diameter of 0.2 to 0.6 inches, whose color can vary from blue to purple.

In terms of taste, these berries have a sweet taste with a small dose of acid. The taste itself also varies, unripe fruit has a sour taste, and the taste becomes sweeter as it ripens, but never too sweet. This is their main characteristic. Also, did you know that there is a difference in taste between wild and cultivated ones? Namely, the wild ones have a more floral flavor.

In terms of appearance, the plants grow in the form of deciduous perennial shrubs. Their height can vary from species to species. Thus, for example, low-growing blueberries such as Vaccinium angustifolium grow up to 60 cm (24 inches). While on the other hand, those that are tall shrubs such as V. corymbosum can grow up to 4 meters (13 feet).

 Can I grow blueberries in my apartment?

This plant has pointed, oblong, and leathery leaves that turn red in autumn. Its flowers grow in clusters of small, white bell-shaped flowers that later turn into edible, delicious berries.

Brief facts about the benefits of regular consumption:

  • They protect us from heart disease and some types of cancer.
  • The plant contains the compound anthocyanin which gives blueberries a blue color and many health benefits.
  • They help maintain bone strength, mental health, and healthy blood pressure.
  • One cup of this fruit provides 24 percent of a person’s recommended daily allowance of vitamin C.
  • Reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
  • Due to the richness of fiber, they improve the work of the human intestine.

Which Varieties To Choose?

If you are already thinking of growing blueberries indoors year-round, you need to consider some key features. Namely, not every plant is equally suitable for this type of cultivation. In addition, when choosing the ideal plant, it is recommended to pay attention to its chill hours, overall size, and self-pollination.

 Can potted blueberries survive winter?

These are the most popular types for growing indoors:

  • Top Hat
  • Northsky
  • North blue
  • Sunshine Blue

Ideal Conditions For Growing Blueberries Indoors Year-Round

Like most fruit trees and berry plants in the world, blueberry plants also need special conditions to be healthy and fruitful. Keep reading and find out what it is all about.

Soil

As for soil selection, you can find a variety of blueberry-specific soil mixes in stores.  In addition, if you are going to use classic soil, it is desirable for it to be more acidic, ideally pH 4.5-6.5. To achieve this, it is recommended to add peat moss, sulfur, diluted vinegar, or coffee grounds.

Light

Your blueberry plant requires full sun, about 6-8 hours a day. Therefore, try to place it on the south-facing window, as it usually receives as much direct sunlight as possible. In the absence of natural sunlight, feel free to use artificial growing light. Try to get a height-adjustable and full-spectrum lamp to be able to raise it as the plant grows taller.

 How long does it take to grow blueberries indoors?

Watering

There is one thing you must always keep in mind when growing blueberries indoors year-round – watering. Namely, compared to other houseplants, the blueberry plant really requires a lot more water. Check the soil regularly and take action when you feel it is a little damp to the touch.

Fertilization

This fruit plant doesn’t require much watering which makes it an ideal choice for growing indoors. If you decide to do so, simply choose a slow-release fertilizer that is intended for fruit-bearing plants, and apply it twice a year, in early spring and late summer.

In Conclusion

Growing blueberries indoors year-round is quite a fun and rewarding hobby. It takes a little extra effort but the reward is quite delicious. The most important thing you need to invest in all this is your time because a meaningful harvest can take up to six years.

What are your experiences with growing blueberries indoors? Let us know in the comments!

Read next: Fun Facts And Best Tips For Growing Lavender Indoors In Winter

FAQs

Can I Grow Blueberries In My Apartment?

While many people living in apartments will think the store is the closest they can get to fresh blueberries, this is not true. On the contrary, blueberries are quite suitable for growing indoors. Accordingly, you can grow them and have a pretty good harvest even if you live in an apartment.

Can Potted Blueberries Survive Winter?

Potted blueberries can survive the winter outdoors, but only if you provide them with the right conditions.

If you cannot transfer the pot with the plant indoors, it is recommended to bury the whole pot in the ground in mid-autumn in a spot that's out of the wind and unlikely to experience a buildup of snow. Then, later in the fall (before the snow), be sure to mulch with 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) of straw and cover the plant with a burlap bag. If this option seems too bold and demanding, store it in a building, such as a barn or a garage.

Finally, whichever of these two methods you choose, occasional watering is recommended.

How Long Does It Take To Grow Blueberries Indoors?

The best thing is that you can grow blueberries indoors as long as you are able to meet the needs of the plant.

What Months Are Blueberries In Season?

The season varies from variety to variety but is mostly from April to late September or from early June to early August. When you grow them indoors, then the season is all year round.

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