The Ultimate Guide to Growing Blackberries [for Delicious Harvests]
Getting Started with Blackberry Plants
We bought our house in the fall of 2019, and right from the start, we were excited about growing our own fruits and veggies. As we explored the property, we stumbled upon what looked like dead, thorny sticks everywhere. A quick search revealed they were wild blackberries! Knowing how pricey blackberries can be, we immediately thought, "Free food!" Read on to learn about my experience with growing blackberry plants.
What to Know Before Growing Blackberries
Blackberries are a delightful fruit that belong to the Rubus species. They're a Southern favorite, often making their way into scrumptious desserts like cobbler. Cultivated blackberries tend to be either erect or trellised, boasting larger, sweeter, and less seedy fruit compared to their wild counterparts. There are several species of blackberries, including wild brambles that either sprawl along the ground or form tall, bushy thickets.
We were thrilled with the abundance of wild blackberries, even though the fruit can be small and a bit tart, making them perfect for baking. There are different types of wild blackberries, so some flowers may be round while others are star-shaped.
wild blackberries, wild blackberry fruit
Choosing the Right Variety
Blackberries can be grouped based on their growth habits, whether they are erect or trailing, thornless or thorny, and when they bear fruit, either in summer or fall. Some popular blackberry cultivars you might want to consider are ‘Darrow’, ‘Illini Hardy’, ‘Prime-Jim’, and ‘Prime-Jan’. The 'Illini Hardy' is known for its vigorous growth, thorny canes, disease resistance, and medium sized fruit. When picking the right variety for your garden, think about your local climate, the type of soil you have, and the kind of fruit you want to enjoy. It’s all about finding the perfect match for your growing conditions and taste preferences!
In the spring of 2020, we planted six small blackberry plants from Stark Brothers. Two years later, they went wild! We planted three Prime Ark 45s and three Prime Ark Freedoms. The Freedoms are thornless, with large, juicy fruit that reminds me of Welch’s grape juice. The Prime Ark 45s are delicious too, but dealing with the thorns is a hassle, especially with a little one around. So, thornless it is!
prime ark freedom blackberry fruit
Planting Blackberries
Selecting a Planting Site
Now, these are the rules recommended for the best blackberries, but I don't regularly follow them here and have great blackberries, so here we go!
Select a site that enjoys full sun exposure, meaning it should receive at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight daily. - Check!
Keep an eye out for any wild brambles or wild blackberries within 1,000 feet, as they can harbor diseases that might affect your plants. It's best to remove them before planting. This is not possible in my location, yet we still have great, big blackberries and no disease.
Ensure the soil is rich, well-draining, and slightly acidic to give your blackberry plants the best start. - We fertilize every once in a while, but really, nature does most of the work.
Soil Preparation
Soil preparation is crucial for growing healthy blackberry plants. Blackberries prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.6 and 6.5. To get started, test your soil’s pH level and adjust it if necessary. Adding organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure can significantly improve soil fertility and drainage. Make sure to remove any debris, rocks, and weeds from the planting area to give your blackberry plants the best start.
Next, till the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches to loosen and aerate it. If your soil is heavy clay or sandy, mix in some organic matter to improve its structure. This will help create an ideal environment for your blackberry plants to thrive. Remember, a little effort in soil preparation goes a long way in ensuring a bountiful harvest of delicious blackberries.
Planting Thornless Blackberries in the Ground or Containers
Blackberries can be planted either directly in the ground or in containers, depending on how much control and maintenance you want. If you're using bare-root plants, the best time to plant is in early spring. However, if you have container-grown plants, you can plant them anytime from early spring to late summer. Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining soil to give your blackberry plants the best chance to thrive.
Caring for Blackberry Plants
Watering and Mulching
Blackberries require a moderate amount of water, approximately 1 inch weekly, which can be delivered through rainfall or ground-level irrigation. If you’re blackberries are not watered properly, your fruit could end up being bitter and small.
Managing and mulching new canes is crucial to enhance fruit production and maintain plant health. To help conserve moisture and keep weeds at bay, apply mulch around your blackberry plants. It’s best to maintain a 1- to 2-inch layer of mulch over the root zone consistently.
Fertilizing
For a friendly approach to fertilizing your blackberries, start by giving them a boost in the spring with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer as they awaken from their winter rest.
Once you've enjoyed your delicious harvest, it's a good idea to give your plants another dose of nutrients in late summer or fall to prepare them for the next growing season.
Many home gardeners find that simply adding a thick layer of mulch can naturally provide all the nourishment their blackberries need, making the process even easier!
Pest and Disease Prevention
Blackberry plants can be susceptible to various pests and diseases, but with a little care, you can keep them healthy and productive. Common issues include anthracnose, stem blight, and crown gall. To prevent these problems, maintain good garden hygiene by regularly removing any infected or dying canes. This helps stop the spread of diseases and keeps your plants vigorous.
Using fungicides and insecticides can also be effective, but always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid harming your plants. Keeping the area around your blackberry plants weed-free is essential, as weeds can compete for water and nutrients. Physical barriers like fine-mesh screens can prevent pests such as sap beetles and cane borers from reaching your plants. With these preventive measures, your blackberry plants will stay healthy and productive.
Pruning and Training Blackberries
Pruning Techniques
After your blackberries have finished fruiting, it’s important to prune the old canes to make way for new ones and to help prevent diseases. Anthracnose affects young canes and spurs, causing purplish spots that enlarge and take on a sunken, oval shape, so removing infected canes during spring pruning is crucial. Regularly remove any dead, diseased, or damaged canes to encourage healthy growth and stop diseases from spreading. During winter, trim the lateral branches to a length of about 1½ to 2½ feet. This will help your blackberry plants stay healthy and productive.
Staking Blackberry Plants
One challenge I face with my climbing or tall plants is staking. My body seems determined to stake things incorrectly or not at all, leading to a tangled mess. Not staking your blackberries can hinder flower pollination because insects can't reach the blooms. In the first year, I didn’t stake them, and they spread everywhere. By the second year, it was out of control, so I tried bamboo stakes and garden netting. Big mistake! It wasn't strong enough to hold the canes, and removing it was a nightmare due to the thorny Prime Ark variety.
unhinged blackberry patch
Here's a lesson in not staking your blackberries: start by removing dead weeds—maybe get a weed whacker. Do yourself a favor and mulch around the canes to keep weeds at bay. I'm not too fussed about aesthetics, but weeding in the heat is a pain. I used garden stakes and thick twine, but it looked terrible, so I stopped. Learn from my mistakes and stake your blackberries when you plant them using T-posts and garden wire, not your imagination.
Harvesting Blackberries
How to Grow Blackberries for a Bountiful Harvest
Pick your berries in the morning when the temperatures are cooler for the best flavor. I recommend wearing a hat, long sleeves, pants, and boots when harvesting—not just because of the thorns but also to avoid ticks. Although I sometimes break my own rules, I almost always regret it.
blackberry plants, blackberry harvest
You'll know they're ripe when they're fully colored and easily come off the plant with a gentle tug. Once you've gathered your delicious haul, be sure to refrigerate them right away to keep them fresh, or pop them in the freezer to enjoy later.
Harvesting Techniques
Harvesting blackberries is a rewarding experience, but it requires some care to avoid damaging the fruit or the plant. Ripe berries are typically black and plump, and they come off the plant easily with a gentle tug. When picking, avoid pulling or tugging on the berries, as this can harm the plant. Instead, gently pluck the ripe berries, leaving the central plug inside the blackberry.
Harvest your blackberries regularly to encourage the plant to produce more fruit. Use a container or basket to collect the berries, and refrigerate them immediately to keep them fresh. By following these simple harvesting techniques, you can enjoy a bountiful supply of sweet, juicy blackberries throughout the season.
Propagating Blackberries
Propagation Methods
To propagate blackberries with ease, start by digging up one of the many suckers that sprout at the plant's base. You can plant it in a pot that's roomy enough for the roots or directly into a new spot in your garden. Keep it evenly moist until you see new leaves emerging.
Another simple method is stem-tip layering. This involves rooting the tips of vigorous stems into the ground during spring or summer. Both techniques are effective ways to expand your blackberry patch!
propagating blackberries
In spring, you'll notice new leaves on existing canes and baby plants sprouting up. You can leave them be or transplant them elsewhere. We spread are six blackberry plants in 2021, and they grew rapidly in just one season.
Overwintering Blackberries
Preparing for Winter
Blackberries planted in USDA hardiness zones 5-9 are generally hardy enough to withstand winter, but it's always a good idea to give them a little extra protection. Adding a cozy layer of mulch or straw around the base helps insulate the roots and keep them snug through the colder months.
If you have potted blackberries, consider moving them to an unheated garage or shed for the winter. Alternatively, you can bury the pots in the ground or use an insulating silo to keep them safe from the chill.
Common Pests and Diseases
Common Issues with Blackberry Plants: Cane Blight
Blackberries can face challenges such as anthracnose, stem blight, and crown gall. The raspberry bushy dwarf virus is another concern, causing bright yellow splotches on leaves. It is recommended to remove and destroy affected plants to prevent further issues. To keep your plants healthy, it’s wise to purchase them from trusted nurseries and plant them away from any wild brambles, which can carry diseases. I purchase my perennial plants from StarkBros.com, mostly because of their great products, but also because they have a 1-year survival guarantee.
Our blackberry plants don’t suffer from the diseases above, but they’re not entirely pest-free. We’ve been battling Japanese beetles, and it’s a losing fight. They devour the leaves on our raspberries, blackberries, sunflowers, tomatoes—everything, including the fruit. In late October, wasps swarm our second crop of blackberries, and we’re too scared to harvest them. It’s wild out there, so we let them have it.
Growing Blackberries in Pots
Benefits of Container Growing
Growing blackberries in pots offers you greater control over soil quality and moisture levels, making it a fantastic option for those with limited space. If you're short on room, look for compact blackberry varieties that are perfect for container gardening. Just ensure your pot is at least 45cm (18in) wide and filled with peat-free, soil-based compost to give your blackberry plants a cozy home.
Companion Planting
I am a big fan of companion planting, and not just because it’s easy to let things go wild. Companion planting is a fantastic way to improve the growth, health, and productivity of your blackberry plants. By growing different plants together, you can create a diverse and resilient garden ecosystem. Here are some plants that benefit blackberry growth:
Comfrey: This perennial herb acts as a natural fertilizer, adding nutrients to the soil that benefit blackberry plants.
Marigold: These bright flowers repel nematodes, whiteflies, and other pests that can harm blackberry plants.
Oregano: This herb repels pests like aphids, spider mites, and nematodes, and its fragrance can improve soil health.
Borage: This flowering plant attracts beneficial insects like bees and predatory wasps, which can help pollinate and protect blackberry plants.
Garlic: Garlic repels aphids, spider mites, and other pests that can harm blackberry plants, and its sulfur compounds can improve soil health.
By incorporating these companion plants into your garden, you can enhance the growth and health of your blackberry plants, leading to a more productive and enjoyable harvest.
Blackberries vs. Raspberries
Key Differences
I’m no scientist, but both blackberries and raspberries belong to the Rubus genus, making them botanical cousins. Blackberries are particularly prized for their excellent sweet flavor, which contributes to their desirability among growers and consumers. At first glance, these plants might appear quite similar, with their thorny canes and compound leaves that have toothed edges, usually grouped in threes or fives. However, when it comes to taste, blackberries often take the lead with their sweeter and more delicate flavor compared to raspberries.
Recipes and Uses for Blackberries
Delicious Recipes
Blackberries are a delightful gourmet treat that can be enjoyed fresh or incorporated into a wide range of recipes. Packed with ellagic acid, a potent antioxidant, they help neutralize potential cancer-causing chemicals, making them not only tasty but also a nutritious choice. Whether you savor them straight from the bush or use them to create culinary masterpieces, blackberries offer a wonderful blend of flavor and health benefits.
Conclusion
As for our harvest, we gathered bowlfuls of wild blackberries, but it got too hot, and those small berries weren't worth it. We collected about a pound of blackberries every other day during peak harvesting, timing those harvests with other garden produce. The berries we didn't eat fresh were frozen, and I made a huge blackberry cobbler—not pretty, but delicious. I also made blackberry preserves and canned them for winter, which was fantastic. From my experience, the Prime Ark Freedom variety is worth it—thornless, large, and incredibly tasty. But honestly, you can't go wrong with any of them. Despite the staking and thorns, blackberries are a delicious and easy plant to grow. If I can do it without much effort, I'm sure you can grow them even better.
