Blackberry Growing Guide

Blackberries are a sweet, juicy, and low-maintenance addition to any home garden, perfect for gardeners of all experience levels! Packed with antioxidants, fiber, and Vitamin C, these native berries are not only nutritious, but also incredibly versatile.

Quick Overview

Category	Details
Planting Time	Fall, Winter, or Early Spring.
Soil Temperature	50 Degrees
Sunlight Requirements	Full Sun
Watering Requirements	1-2" Per Week
Spacing (In-Ground)	Row: 6-8' Plants: 3-5'

Growing Guide Details

Plant Classifications

There are three main types of blackberry plants to choose from: erect thorny, erect thornless, and trailing thornless varieties. Erect types grow upright and can support themselves like a shrub, while trailing types produce long canes that require a trellis or support system. All blackberries are easy to grow and will thrive with minimal care, producing reliable harvests year after year with just a few simple growing practices.

What Variety to Choose?

💡

Sweetie Pie Blackberries: perfect for extending your harvest window or getting a head start on fresh summer flavors.
Ponce Blackberries: firm, medium-sized berries and remarkably low acidity.
Natchez Blackberries: is a self-pollinating, vigorous grower that spreads through root suckers, sending up new canes to increase productivity year after year.

When to Plant

• Planting Time: Fall, winter, or early spring when soil temperatures are around 50°F.

• Avoid Planting: Late spring or summer, as high temperatures stress young plants.

• Pollination: All blackberry plants are self-fertile; only one plant is needed for fruit production.

Light & Space Requirements

Sunlight: Full Sun (6+ hours/day)

In-Ground Spacing:

Row Spacing : 6-8 Feet

Plant Spacing: 3-5 Feet

Planting Depth: ½ to 1 inch deeper than the soil level of the plant.

Hand holding a cluster of blackberries with green leaves in the background

Natchez Blackberry

Soil & Fertility

Soil Requirements:

pH between 5.5 and 6.5

Rich in compost or organic matter

Well-draining, but moisture-retentive

Fertilizer Schedule:

Before Planting

Test your soil with the HOSS Soil Sample Kit.

First Year Early Spring (April) and Midsummer (July)

Apply 2 oz. of HOSS All-In-One 10-10-10 Fertilizer around each plant. Scatter evenly in a 2-foot-wide circle centered on the base of the plant.

After Plants Are Established, Early Spring (Feb–Early March)

Apply 1 lb. of HOSS All-In-One 10-10-10 Fertilizer per 9 ft. of row. Spread in a 2-foot-wide band over the row.

Summer Feeding (June)

Apply 1 lb. of HOSS All-In-One 10-10-10 Fertilizer per 18 ft. of row. Spread evenly in the same 2-foot-wide band.

Pest & Disease Control

Pest/Disease	Control Method
Aphids	Garden Insect Spray, Horticulture Oil, Bug Buster-O, Diatomaceous Earth, Neem Oil, Take-Out
Army Worms	Garden Insect Spray
Thrips	Garden Insect Spray, Bug Buster O, Diatomaceous Earth, Take-Out
Whiteflies	Horticulture Oil
Cane and Leaf Rust	Fungi Max
Leaf and Cane Spot	Fungi Max, Liquid Copper
Downey Mildew	Garden Phos

Irrigation & Watering Schedule

· Needs 1–2” water per week per sq ft.

· Keep soil consistently moist (not soggy)

· Use Drip Irrigation Kits to avoid wetting leaves

Cluster of blackberries on a branch with green leaves.

Ponca Blackberry

Harvesting & Storage

How to Harvest: Pick when berries are fully black, plump, and slightly soft to the touch. Blackberries do not ripen after picking, so timing is critical. Harvest every 2–3 days for about three weeks during the season. Avoid picking when wet to prevent mold.

When to Harvest: Southern U.S.: late spring–early summer. Pacific Northwest: late summer–early fall. Most regions: peak in July–August. Some everbearing varieties produce a second crop in fall on new growth.

Storage: Refrigerate immediately; best eaten fresh. Blackberries do not store long.

Preservation Tip: Use or preserve quickly—freeze, can, or make jams for long-term enjoyment.

Sustainability & Garden Tips

FAQs

Do blackberry plants need support or trellising?

That depends on the variety: Erect varieties can typically support themselves. Semi-erect or trailing varieties need a trellis or support system to keep the canes upright and improve airflow, ease of harvesting, and fruit quality.

Can blackberries grow in containers?

Yes, but choose a dwarf or erect variety and a container at least 5 gallons in size. Make sure the pot has excellent drainage, and use high-quality potting soil. Container-grown blackberries need more frequent watering and may require staking for support.

Do I need to remove runners or suckers from blackberry plants?

Yes, especially in smaller spaces. Blackberry plants send up new canes (suckers) from the roots. While these increase yields in larger plantings, thinning them helps maintain airflow, reduce disease, and focus the plant’s energy.

How do I know when blackberries are ripe?

Ripe blackberries are fully black, plump, and come off the cane with a gentle tug. If they’re still red or resist picking, they’re not ready. Pick every 2–3 days during harvest to catch peak flavor and prevent overripe berries.

Why did my blackberries not produce fruit this year?

Possible causes include pruning at the wrong time, lack of sunlight, or planting non-fruiting first-year canes. Most varieties fruit on second-year canes (floricanes), so pruning too aggressively in winter can remove the next season’s crop.

Published on June 19, 2025
Updated on August 04, 2025

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