Growing Blackberries
Blackberries are productive, relatively fast to establish, and well suited to Southern gardens.
Modern thornless varieties also make harvesting much easier.
Choose a Growth Type
Blackberries may be:
- Erect
- Semi-erect
- Trailing
Growth habit affects:
- Spacing
- Trellising
- Pruning
Site
Plant blackberries in:
- Full sun
- Well-drained soil
- An area with good airflow
Avoid low wet sites.
Trellis
Many varieties benefit from a trellis.
A simple post-and-wire system keeps canes organized and fruit easier to harvest.
Understand Cane Growth
Blackberries typically grow canes over a two-year cycle.
Primocanes
First-year vegetative canes.
Floricanes
Second-year canes that fruit and then die.
After harvest, remove spent floricanes.
Some newer varieties can fruit on first-year primocanes as well.
Pruning
Pruning depends on variety type.
Erect blackberries may be tipped to encourage branching.
Trailing and semi-erect types require different training.
Follow cultivar-specific recommendations.
Watering
Consistent moisture is especially important during:
- Flowering
- Fruit development
Mulch helps preserve soil moisture.
Fertility
Use soil-test guidance.
Avoid excessive nitrogen.
Common Problems
Watch for:
- Cane diseases
- Anthracnose
- Fruit rots
- Japanese beetles
- Stink bugs
- Spotted wing drosophila
Harvest ripe fruit frequently.
Harvest
Pick berries when fully black and easily detached.
Fruit will not improve much after picking.
GardenGrowz Tip
Choose a thornless erect or semi-erect variety if easy maintenance is a priority.