Outside/Inside

Fruiting shrubs in pots will benefit from growing outside in the summer months. Citrus and other non hardy plants will need to be grown inside from Autumn to late Spring, or at least until nighttime temperatures are above 10 C.  Hardy shrubs grown in pots can be moved into an unheated garage for coldest months.  These shrubs will benefit from the coldness of winter but will fair best when not exposed to the wind and ice/snow of winter. Any pots that are to be left outside over the winter will need a vey large (25 L sized or more) pot and should have additional protection from wind or ice.

Pots that are moved into the house for the cold months can be treated as regular houseplants but may need to be misted while they still have leaves to increase the humidity.  Keeping plants away from vents or drying heat sources such as wood stoves or fireplaces will help to keep the plants from drying out.  Do not be surprised if they go dormant for several weeks.  It is all part of the cycle.  While dormant, plants will require little to no water.  Increasing watering in late January will encourage the plants to “wake up”.

Correct Pot

It is important to have the right pot for planting shrubs or even trees in.  The pot must have good drainage as well as being large enough to accommodate the size of the shrub.  Too small and root growth could be restricted, or it could become top heavy as the shrub grows.  Too large a pot and you will not be able to move it if you wanted to.  Shrubs and trees can easily be started in pots that are 5 L in size.  As the plants grow, they will require transplanting to a larger pot.  Any pot larger than 20 L will be hard to move when filled with soil and a shrub or tree.  Handles or a solid rim will make moving a pot easier.  Pots should have a good-sized drainage hole, or multiple smaller drainage holes.

Soil and Fertilizer

Free draining soil is a must for most fruiting shrubs and trees.  Adding handfuls of pea-gravel to the bottom of the pot will improve drainage.  Use a growing medium that will encourage root growth, drainage and not compact easily. Avoid using straight topsoil as it compacts and could restrict root growth.  A good growing medium will retain enough water for several days without shrinking or compacting.

Producing blooms and then fruit requires a lot of energy from the plants.  Choose a quality, water soluble fertilizer or slow-release fertilizer.  Peak times to fertilize are when blooms are forming, when fruits have set and again when fruits are ripening.

What fruits to grow?

Smaller or dwarf varieties of lemon, lime, fig, blueberry, currant, or apple can all be successfully grown in pots.  Regular pruning will be needed for any non dwarf varieties.  It is important to keep in mind that some fruits require an additional plant of the same kind to pollinate successfully.

Talking to the knowledgeable staff at Walter’s Greenhouses will help you select the best pots, soil, fertilizer and tree or shrub varieties for you.