Best time to re-pot a blueberry?

[bario1]

Hi,
I have 5 small blueberry bushes, bought this Spring in 9cm pots. I potted them on into 20cm pots when I got them and they have put on some growth and some even have berries ripening on them now.
Eventually I want them growing in the ground (large buried hadopots of ericaceous compost), but wondered when would be the best time to do this? Should I overwinter them in the polytunnel in their current pots, then plant them out in the Spring? Or wait till they've finished fruiting and plant them out at the end of this season?

[Bigmallly]

If they are already in pots, you wouldn't be disturbing the roots so I guess they could go out any-time. No need to overwinter them, let them get used to the outdoors.

[bario1]

Thanks BM, they're already used to the outdoors, they've been out all season. So you think they'd be ok going straight into 36 litre pots in Autumn?

[Bigmallly]

I'm sure they will be fine Bario, if you are worried bring them undercover for winter but personally I wouldn't bother.

[bario1]

I just worry that in the 20cm pots they could freeze solid... once they're in the ground though, I guess they'd be fine.

[veggiechicken]

I'd work on the principle that its best to move a plant when dormant and give it time to establish itself before spring.
If you think they need potting on do it before winter and put them out..............that's what I'd do anyway!

[BUFFS]

put into the bigger pots or the ground in the autumn they will spend the winter putting out loads of new roots, making them stronger, more productive plants...