Blueberry in pots overwinter? - Ask Extension
Hi there, I have two blueberry plants and pots above ground and I’m wondering if they’re fine to leave on my deck over winter?
I’ve read abou...
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Blueberry in pots overwinter? #921180
Asked October 31, 2025, 2:19 PM EDT
Hi there, I have two blueberry plants and pots above ground and I’m wondering if they’re fine to leave on my deck over winter?
I’ve read about people bearing the plants in the ground while still in the pots, and putting them in the garage unheated over winter, though I’m wondering if this is necessary in a more mild part of Minnesota like Minneapolis
Thanks!
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
It's best to bury them in the ground or keep them in an unheated garage. Blueberries need to enter and maintain dormancy with enough chill hours below 45°F, to ensure next year's blooms. Above-ground pots warm up and freeze more quickly, which can damage roots, even if you wrap them with insulation. Here is a webpage from the U of Wisconsin about overwintering blueberries - https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/growing-blueberries-containers/
