Blackberries make a great addition to the homestead or backyard garden as they are a very prolific and versatile crop! From fresh off the branch to pies, jams, and jellies, blackberries can be used in a variety of delicious ways. Additionally, blackberry roots are considered a perennial, meaning they will continue to spread and produce more and more fruit for you every year! Below, we will cover everything you need to know to get started with this delicious crop in your garden.
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How Do Blackberries Grow
First bit of information to understand in growing lush and healthy blackberries in your garden, is understanding how they actually grow. Blackberries have a unique growth pattern where the roots are perennial, meaning they live and produce year after year, while the canes are biennial, meaning they have a two-year life cycle. Understanding this distinction is crucial for proper blackberry cultivation.
Perennial Roots and Biennial Canes
The root system of blackberry plants persists and expands each year, sending up new canes annually. The canes have a two-year life cycle. In the first year, canes, called primocanes, grow vegetatively. In the second year, these same canes, now called floricanes, produce fruit and then die off.
Primocanes and Floricanes
Primocanes are the first-year canes that emerge from the perennial root system. They focus on vegetative growth, reaching their full height within the growing season. Primocanes can be pruned to encourage lateral branching, which will produce more fruit in their second year.
In their second year, primocanes become floricanes, which flower and bear fruit. After the fruiting season, floricanes die and should be pruned away to make space for new growth.
Planting Methods: Seeds, Cuttings, Bareroot, and Established Canes
- Seeds: Growing blackberries from seeds is possible but less common due to the longer time required to produce fruit and potential variability in plant characteristics.
- Cuttings: Propagating blackberries from cuttings is a more reliable and quicker method. Cuttings from healthy plants can establish roots and grow into productive plants.
- Bareroot: Bareroot plants, which are dormant plants sold without soil around their roots, are an efficient and cost-effective way to start blackberries. They establish quickly once planted.
- Established Canes: Transplanting established canes from a nursery or another garden is another effective method. These plants are already mature and can produce fruit sooner.
Thornless vs. Thorny Blackberry Varieties
When choosing blackberry plants for your homestead or backyard garden, one important consideration is whether to plant thornless or thorny varieties. Both types have their unique advantages and characteristics, so understanding the differences can help you make an informed decision.
Thorny Blackberry Varieties
Thorny blackberry varieties are the traditional type, known for their sharp thorns along the canes. These varieties have been cultivated for centuries and are often prized for their robust growth and potentially higher yields.
Advantages:
- Hardiness: Thorny varieties are typically more vigorous and hardy, often better suited to withstand adverse weather conditions and diseases.
- Fruit Quality: Many gardeners believe that thorny varieties produce slightly sweeter and more flavorful berries, though this can vary by specific cultivar.
Disadvantages:
- Maintenance: The presence of thorns can make pruning, harvesting, and other maintenance tasks more challenging and potentially painful.
- Accessibility: Thorny canes can pose a hazard, particularly in a family garden where children or pets may be present.
Kiowa Blackberry Plant
The world’s biggest blackberry — up to 3″ long! This thorny variety blooms earlier and longer than others. Fruit is large enough to make fresh cobbler with just a few berries. Also great for juice or wine. Summer-bearing floricane. Early season. Ripens in early June. Self-pollinating. – Stark Bros
Snowbank White Blackberry Plant
Snow-white berries are translucent, milky-white in color but have all the flavor of a “normal” blackberry. The drupelets look like tiny pearls and are simply beautiful little fruits. Berries stay whiter than other similar varieties as berries ripen, and with much better flavor. A vigorous, trailing-type grower with good disease-resistance. Ripens in late July. Originated in 1916 by Luther Burbank as an improved form of his original white blackberry, ‘Iceberg’. Self-pollinating.
Thornless Blackberry Varieties
Thornless blackberry varieties have been bred to eliminate the sharp thorns, making them easier to handle and more user-friendly. These varieties are becoming increasingly popular among home gardeners for their ease of care and maintenance.
Advantages:
- Ease of Maintenance: Without thorns, pruning, harvesting, and other care tasks are much more manageable and less hazardous.
- Safety: Thornless varieties are safer for family gardens, reducing the risk of injury to children, pets, and gardeners.
Disadvantages:
- Vigor: Some thornless varieties may be less vigorous compared to their thorny counterparts, potentially resulting in slightly lower yields or less robust growth.
- Flavor: While many thornless varieties produce excellent fruit, some gardeners feel that thorny varieties have a slight edge in flavor, although this is highly subjective and varies among specific cultivars.
Triple Crown Thornless Blackberry Plant
Triple Crown Thornless Blackberry plants are productive and vigorous growers, producing large, glossy black, firm fruits! With a tasty blend of sweet and tart, these berries are great for pies and baking. Seeds are smaller than those of wild blackberries.
Prime-Ark® Freedom Primocane Blackberry Plant
Harvest berries with ease from thornless, upright canes. Primocanes fruit first, followed by a second crop on older canes. Fruit is large, firm, and sweet. Excellent choice for home gardening or farmer’s markets. Disease-resistant to rust. Everbearing primocane. Early season. Drought tolerant. Cold-hardy. First-year canes begin ripening in July, while second-year canes bear heaviest crops in June. Both continue to fruit until frost. Self-pollinating.
Prime-Ark® Traveler Primocane Blackberry Plant
Glossy fruit with high-quality flavor. Thornless canes have a vigorous, upright growth habit that makes berries easy to pick. Firm fruit holds up well compared to other blackberries; best for eating fresh, using in recipes, and offering at farmers’ markets. Taste is delightfully sweet and sub-acid. A productive, thornless primocane blackberry variety! First-year canes begin ripening in July, while second-year canes bear heaviest crops in June. Continues to fruit until frost.
Making Your Choice
When deciding between thornless and thorny blackberry varieties, consider your specific gardening needs and preferences. If you prioritize ease of maintenance and safety, thornless varieties may be the better choice. However, if you’re looking for potentially more vigorous growth and are willing to handle the extra challenge of thorns, thorny varieties could be more suitable.
Both thornless and thorny blackberries can be highly productive and provide delicious fruit. Researching specific cultivars and considering your local growing conditions can help you select the best variety for your garden.
How To Plant Blackberries
Getting your blackberry plants off to the right start is essential for ensuring healthy and abundant growth. Proper planting techniques, including spacing and depth, play a crucial role in the long-term success of your blackberry patch.
Blackberries should be planted with enough space to allow for adequate airflow and room for growth. Proper spacing helps prevent disease and makes maintenance easier. Plant individual blackberry plants 3-4 feet apart within a row, and space rows 8-10 feet apart to accommodate the spreading nature of blackberry bushes. This spacing ensures that each plant has enough room to grow and receive sufficient sunlight.
When it comes to planting depth, blackberry cuttings or transplants should be planted at the same depth they were growing in their nursery container. Generally, this means covering the roots with about 1-2 inches of soil. Proper planting depth helps the plants establish a strong root system and promotes healthy growth.
Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Blackberries from Pre-Rooted Plants
Planting blackberries from cuttings require a little more attention to detail. However, bareroot or established (pre-rooted) plants are incredibly easy following the below steps:
- Prepare the Soil: Choose a sunny location with well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5). Amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost, to improve drainage and nutrient content.
- Dig the Holes: Dig holes that are large enough to accommodate the root system of each pre-rooted plant. Ensure the holes are spaced 3-4 feet apart within the row.
- Plant the Blackberries: Place each pre-rooted plant into its hole, ensuring the roots are spread out and not bunched up. The crown of the plant should be at ground level, with the roots covered by 1-2 inches of soil.
- Backfill and Firm the Soil: Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the roots to eliminate air pockets. Be careful not to compact the soil too much, as this can hinder root growth.
- Water Thoroughly: After planting, water the blackberries thoroughly to help settle the soil and establish good root-to-soil contact.
- Mulch: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
How To Care For Blackberry Plants
Caring for blackberries involves ensuring they have the right soil, sunlight, water, nutrients, and maintenance to thrive and produce abundant fruit. Here’s a detailed guide on how to care for your blackberry plants.
Soil and Sunlight
Blackberries prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. To improve drainage and nutrient content, amend the soil with organic matter such as compost. These plants thrive in full sunlight, so choose a planting location that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. Proper sunlight is essential for optimal fruit production and plant health.
Watering
Consistent watering is crucial, especially for young plants establishing their root systems. Mature blackberry plants require about 1-2 inches of water per week, particularly during the fruiting season. For the best results, use a drip irrigation system, which provides a steady supply of water directly to the roots while minimizing water waste and reducing the risk of fungal diseases that can occur with overhead watering.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing blackberries involves more than just applying nutrients; it’s about feeding the soil microbes that support plant health. When you feed your soil, it will feed your plants and then you don’t have to worry about adding yet another garden task to your list! To enhance soil health, focus on increasing the population of beneficial fungi, which is particularly important for perennial plants like blackberries. Wood chip mulch is excellent for this purpose, as it promotes fungal growth and helps create a healthy, balanced soil ecosystem.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential part of blackberry care. In the first year, allow the primocanes (new canes) to grow without much interference. When they reach about three feet tall, trim the tips to encourage lateral branching, which will increase fruit production in the second year. After the fruiting season, remove the spent floricanes (second-year canes) to make room for new growth. This annual pruning helps maintain plant health and productivity.
Mulching
Applying mulch around your blackberry plants offers several benefits. A 2-3 inch layer of mulch, such as straw, wood chips, or compost, helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Mulch also gradually breaks down and improves soil structure, contributing to the overall health of your blackberry patch.
Frequently Asked Questions on Blackberries
How Big Do Blackberry Bushes Get?
Blackberry bushes can grow quite large:
- Height: Bushes can reach 3-6 feet tall, depending on the variety.
- Width: They can spread 3-5 feet wide.
How Deep Do Blackberry Roots Go?
Blackberry roots typically go 12-18 inches deep.
How Do Blackberries Spread?
Blackberries typically spread laterally from the main root. They can spread several feet from the main plant, which is why adequate spacing is important.
How Fast Do Blackberries Grow?
Blackberry plants are relatively fast-growing. With proper care, primocanes can reach full height within a single growing season.
How Long Till Blackberries Produce Fruit?
Cuttings/Transplants: Typically produce fruit in their second year.
Seeds: May take 2-3 years to produce fruit.
When Are Blackberries Ready To Harvest?
Blackberries ripen in mid to late summer. Fruit should be fully black and slightly soft. Harvest by gently pulling the berry; it should come off easily if ripe.
Growing blackberries in your homestead or backyard garden can be a rewarding experience, providing you with delicious fruit and a beautiful addition to your landscape. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll ensure healthy growth, abundant fruit production, and years of enjoyment from your blackberry bushes. Happy gardening!
