8 Best Berries to Grow in Containers

Want to grow berries? But what to do if you don’t have space to plant them? Growing berries in containers is the answer!

1. Strawberries

USDA ZONES– 3-11

Growing strawberries in containers is quite easy. One of the best berries to grow in containers: Strawberries are perfect for planting on a small balcony. Check out this informative article to find out the right time for planting strawberries!

Strawberries can be planted in hanging baskets, strawberry planters, and terracotta pots with 20-30 cm spacing in between the plants.

2. Acai Berries (Weight Loss Berries)

USDA ZONES– 9-11

Due to their significant health benefits and the fact that they are very rare, Acai berries can be quite expensive. Luckily, you can try to grow these berries in containers. Only dwarf Acai berry palm can be tried, which on the ground can grow up to 20-30 feet tall, but in containers, the height will be reduced to 10-12 feet tall. It takes at least 3 years to become mature and start fruiting. It can be demanding regarding space and time, and you’ll need to repot it in a large container.

Growing Acai palm is suitable in warm subtropical or tropical climates. Colder regions may not be ideal for Acai berries, but you can always use a greenhouse to grow them.

3. Raspberries

USDA ZONES– 2-8, cultivars like Mysore raspberry can be grown in warm subtropical and tropical regions

If you are interested in growing raspberries in a container, then you should start by preparing a well-drained pot filled with rich soil. Ensure that the plants have access to a lot of sunlight. Any five-gallon container (12 inches and wide) would be fine for shorter varieties.

This helps you to avoid straining the soil’s nutritional resources. Also, remember to water the plants regularly to keep the soil slightly moist always while feeding with a high potash fertilizer during growth for sweeter berries.

4. Blackberries

USDA ZONES– 3-10

Growing blackberries in a container can be fun and, at the same time, rewarding. All you need is a pot (5 gallons or more), a blackberry plant, soil, stakes for support, and a few pieces of the broken pot (to boost drainage). Start by placing the broken pieces at the bottom of the container and filling it with nutrient-rich soil. Plant your blackberry into the pot and water it.

The support stakes come into play after the plant starts growing. That’s because these berries are known to produce long and feeble canes that need support, especially during flowering and fruit development. An informative article on growing blackberries in a container is available on HGTV!

5. Blueberries

USDA ZONES– 3-10

If you are looking for the best berries to grow in containers, blueberries should be on your list of options. Despite the fact that they can take up some space, these berries are known to last longer than most garden berries. Also, with the right information and know-how, you can be able to grow them in small spaces.

The key benefit of growing blueberries in containers is that it makes it easy for you to keep the soil’s pH levels at lower amounts (acidic, between 4 to 5.5). Like most berries, good drainage and plenty of sunlight are essential to the plant’s proper and “fruitful” growth.

6. Mulberries

USDA ZONES– 5-11

Growing mulberries in containers can be a boon as its fruits are hardly available in the market due to their short shelf life. Fortunately, you can learn to grow it in a container.

Full sunlight, moderate watering, and the right soil is the key to its growth. Must check out our article on how to grow a mulberry tree in a container to learn everything in detail.

7. Black Currants

USDA ZONES– 3-9

Blackcurrants are also among the best berries to grow in containers. Their sweet flavor and richness in Vitamin C make them quite invaluable. For this, you’ll need a large container. Just like mulberries, it can do well in a wide variety of soils — but preferably good drainage with some moisture-retaining ability and rich in organic matter. Remember to place the container in an area with plenty of sunlight.

You should also note that frost drastically reduces the plant’s yields. Therefore, make sure you set a few protective measures in case you’re not in a frost-free region.

8. Gooseberries

USDA ZONES– 3-8

Growing Gooseberries in containers is similar to currants; you’ll need a medium-sized pot, at least 15 inches deep but a little wider, as gooseberry bushes are shallow-rooted and tend to sprawl than growing upright. The best part is these never grow above 5 feet tall, which is good for container gardeners.

While you can choose from American or European gooseberries to grow, the earlier one is suitable for containers as it has more compact growth, productive, and tolerates more sun. However, its fruits are smaller and a little inferior in taste than the European gooseberries.