8 Berry Plants Perfect for Growing in Containers
You don't need a massive garden to enjoy fresh-picked berries. From compact strawberries to shorter berry shrubs, these container-friendly berry plants allow you to grow an abundance of berries on your patio or balcony. Gardening expert Madison Moulton lists 8 berry plants that thrive in containers with minimal space.
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There’s nothing quite like harvesting perfectly ripe fruit at its peak flavor (something you’ll rarely experience with store-bought options). However, fruit trees are known to take up quite a lot of space, making this dream seemingly far from reach. If you’ve avoided growing fruits because you lack room, I have good news: many berry plants thrive in containers.
Container-grown berries can be just as productive as those planted in the ground. In some cases, they actually perform better, as containers allow you to control soil conditions and move plants to optimize sunlight exposure throughout the season.
Some berries have naturally compact growth habits, while others have been specifically bred for growing in pots. With the right care, these plants will reward you with sweet, homegrown berries for years to come.
Here are 8 berry plants that perform well in containers, bringing the joy of berry harvesting to even the smallest spaces.
Everbearing Strawberry
If you’re new to growing berries in containers, everbearing strawberries are the perfect place to start. Everbearing types are exactly what they sound like. These strawberries yield multiple harvests throughout the growing season, providing a steady supply of sweet berries from late spring through fall.
What makes everbearing strawberries particularly well-suited for containers is their compact growth habit and shallow root system. Containers help reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases and ground-dwelling pests that typically plague garden-grown strawberries.
For successful container planting, choose a wide, shallow container with excellent drainage. GreenStalks are a great choice for maximizing vertical space. Fabric grow bags also work well. Fill with a high-quality potting mix with some additional drainage materials if needed.
One advantage of container-grown strawberries is mobility. Position them in full sun (at least 6 hours daily) and move them to protected areas during extreme weather. In colder regions, containers can be relocated to sheltered spots during winter months.
Pink Lemonade Blueberry
The ‘Pink Lemonade’ blueberry might be the most beautiful berry plant you’ll ever grow in a container. This unique variety produces beautiful white-pink spring blossoms, followed by blush-colored berries that gradually ripen to a vibrant translucent pink. These decorative plants produce delicious, sweet-tart berries with notes of lemon.
‘Pink Lemonade’ reaches just 4-5 feet tall with a similar spread. This compact habit makes it far more manageable in containers than larger blueberry varieties. It’s also self-pollinating, meaning you only need one plant to produce fruit (a significant advantage when container space is limited).
When planting, pot size matters. Choose a container at least 18-24 inches in diameter and depth to accommodate the root system. Like all blueberries,’ Pink Lemonade’ requires acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. Its winter hardiness, combined with relatively low chill hour requirements (approximately 300 hours), make it adaptable to various climates.
Duke Blueberry
Another blueberry to grow in containers, ‘Duke’ consistently performs. This early-season northern highbush blueberry combines flavor with impressive container adaptability. You’ll get abundant crops of light-blue berries with a sweet flavor that’s perfect for fresh eating.
While ‘Duke’ can reach 4-6 feet tall in the ground, growing in pots naturally constrains its size to a more manageable 3-4 feet, ideal for patios and balconies. It doesn’t sprawl or require excessive pruning to maintain its shape in confined spaces.
Consistent watering is essential. Check moisture levels daily during hot weather, watering thoroughly when the top two inches of soil feel dry. Unlike some fruits, blueberries have shallow, fibrous roots that dry out quickly in containers. Applying a 2-inch layer of bark mulch helps conserve moisture and gradually adds acidity to the soil as it breaks down.
For optimal fruit production, ‘Duke’ requires approximately 800-1000 chill hours, suitable for USDA zones 5-8. While it’s technically self-fertile, planting another compatible blueberry variety nearby increases overall yield through cross-pollination.
Nova Red Raspberry
This summer-bearing raspberry produces an impressive crop of large, bright red berries in early to mid-summer, with amazing flavor that far surpasses store-bought berries. It is also relatively compact compared to other red raspberry varieties.
While most raspberries can become aggressive growers, growing in containers naturally constrains them, keeping plants manageable while still allowing for productive growth.
For successful container planting, select a deep pot at least 24 inches in diameter. Adequate space is crucial for healthy growth and fruit production. Unlike many raspberries, ‘Nova’ is surprisingly disease-resistant. The canes are also quite sturdy, often not requiring support when grown in containers. For winter care in zones 4-8, move containers to a protected location or insulate the pot to prevent the roots from experiencing extreme temperature fluctuations.
Fall Gold Raspberry
‘Fall Gold’ raspberry produces unique amber-gold berries with an unmatched sweetness. As an everbearing (primocane-fruiting) variety, Fall Gold produces two distinct harvests: a smaller crop in early summer, followed by a more abundant fall harvest that continues until frost.
Unlike summer-bearing varieties that fruit on second-year canes, primocane varieties like ‘Fall Gold’ produce on first-year growth, allowing for a simplified pruning approach that’s perfect for container maintenance. This simplified care makes Fall Gold one of the most rewarding berries for container beginners.
For the easiest management approach, simply cut all canes to ground level in winter before new growth begins. This promotes a more abundant harvest on the new season’s growth. This strategy works particularly well in containers where space is limited.
Ensure your container has ample drainage holes, as raspberries are susceptible to root rot in soggy conditions. A layer of organic mulch helps maintain soil moisture and suppresses weeds.
Thornless Blackberry
For container gardeners looking for delicious berries without the typical blackberry battle scars, thornless blackberry varieties are the perfect solution. These plants have all the flavor of traditional blackberries but without the painful thorns that make harvesting and pruning such a challenge.
You’ll need a large pot with excellent drainage. Blackberries need space for their substantial root systems, and starting with the right container prevents frequent repotting down the line. Use a rich, well-draining potting mix to give your berries the best start.
Water thoroughly when the top two inches of soil feel dry. A drip irrigation system with a timer works well for maintaining consistent moisture without overwatering. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced organic fertilizer, and apply a second application after fruiting. For winter care in colder regions, move containers to a protected location or wrap them in burlap to prevent freeze damage to the roots.
Marge Elderberry
Elderberry has surged in popularity as a health-supporting berry, and ‘Marge’ makes this beneficial plant accessible to container gardeners. This variety produces large clusters of deep purple berries packed with immune-boosting compounds.
‘Marge’ grows just a few feet tall in pots compared to the 10+ feet of wild elderberry species. Another advantage is that container growing eliminates the spreading tendency that can make garden-grown elderberries somewhat aggressive.
Elderberries prefer rich, consistently moist soil. Ensure your container has adequate drainage holes, as elderberries dislike waterlogged conditions (despite their moisture-loving nature). These plants naturally grow near water sources and require regular moisture to produce plump, juicy berries. Check containers daily during summer months, watering thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry.
For optimal fruit production, elderberries benefit from annual pruning. In late winter or early spring, remove any dead or damaged branches and thin out older stems to encourage new, productive growth.
Everbearing Mulberry Tree
Everbearing mulberry trees are a unique berry option that’s larger than some other berries on this list, but still ideal for containers. These trees produce juicy berries that resemble elongated blackberries, with a flavor reminiscent of blackberry and vanilla.
For proper care, everbearing mulberries need consistent moisture during the growing season, particularly when setting and ripening fruit. Water thoroughly when the soil feels dry, being careful not to overwater during dormant periods.
When planting these berry plants in containers, pot size is crucial for long-term success. Select a container at least 24-30 inches in diameter and equally deep to accommodate the developing root system.
Mulberry fruits can stain surfaces when they fall. Containers allow you to position trees away from patios, sidewalks, and driveways during fruiting periods. For winter care, consider wrapping the container in insulating material for additional protection.
