Blackberry Plant Care Guide: How to Grow Blackberry Plants

Blackberry plants are fruiting shrubs. They belong to the genus Rubus in the rose family Rosaceae. Blackberry bushes produce fruits called blackberries. Much like their close cousin the raspberry, blackberries contain high levels of antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and dietary fiber. They contain very little overall fat and zero saturated fat. They contain a small amount of protein, but most of their calories come in the form of carbohydrates.

Blackberry varieties are typically categorized by their growth habit. However, there are several factors to consider when choosing a blackberry plant, including choosing between thorny and thornless blackberries, as well as floricane-fruiting or primocane-fruiting blackberries. Consider the most common types of blackberry plants.

1. 1. Erect growth habit: Blackberry bushes with an erect growth habit produce upright canes that do not need to be trellised. Thorny and thornless varieties exist. Popular erect cultivars include ‘Navaho,’ ‘Natchez,’ ‘Ouachita,’ ‘Apache,’ ‘Arapaho,’ ‘Prime-Ark Freedom,’ and ‘Kiowa’ blackberries.
2. 2. Semi-erect growth habit: Semi-erect blackberry bushes produce upright canes that require trellises for support. Thorny and thornless varieties can be found within this broad type. Semi-erect blackberry plants tend to be more vigorous growers than erect varieties. Wild blackberries (also called brambles) belong to the semi-erect category. Popular semi-erect cultivars include ‘Chester’ and ‘Triple Crown’ blackberries.
3. 3. Trailing growth habit: Blackberry bushes with a trailing growth habit require a trellis to hold up their sprawling canes. These varieties do best in warmer climates and produce very high yields.

Follow these tips for planting blackberry plants in your home garden.

1. 1. Plant blackberries in the spring. Blackberries thrive in USDA hardiness zones five to eight. In these planting zones, it’s best to plant bare-root plants in early spring.
2. 2. Pick a sunny spot. Much like fruit trees, blackberry plants need full sun in order to produce new growth. Some afternoon shade can help protect plants from the hot summer sun, however.
3. 3. Provide slightly acidic soil with good drainage. Blackberry plants do not do well in clay soils where drainage is poor and their root systems can easily become water-logged. For the best results, plant blackberry plants in slightly acidic soil with good drainage. An elevated site or raised bed can help ensure that your blackberry plants are protected from overwatering and frost.
4. 4. Water blackberries frequently during droughts. Blackberry plants need about one inch of water a week in order to thrive. If you live in an area that gets consistent rainfall during the growing season, then you may not need to water them at all. However, during periods of drought, ground-level irrigation should be provided.
5. 5. Keep the growing area free of weeds. Weeds will compete with your blackberry plant for essential nutrients. Keep the area free of weeds by regularly hand-pulling weeds that encroach on the growing area.
6. 6. Fertilize blackberry plants in the spring and fall. In the spring, apply a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer as the plants emerge from dormancy. In the fall, when fruit production slows and plants begin to enter dormancy, a layer of organic compost can help keep weeds at bay and help provide more soil nutrients.
7. 7. Layer mulch around the blackberry plants. Pour a layer of mulch around the base of blackberry plants to help with weed suppression and water retention.
8. 8. Prune second-year canes. Most blackberry plants are perennials that produce biennial fruiting canes. It is common for first-year canes to produce foliage but no fruit. Second-year canes, known as floricanes, produce foliage, flowers, and fruit. Prune away floricanes once you’ve harvested the berries.
9. 9. Grow small cultivars in pots. If space is limited, blackberry plants can be grown in pots. Choose a large pot that can accommodate the root system of a mature blackberry plant. A compact cultivar such as 'Baby Cakes' is suitable for growing in a pot and will not require pruning.

Keep a close eye on your blackberry plants throughout the summer to ensure you harvest the fruits in time. The berries shrivel quickly when left on the vine for too long. Immature fruits start off small and green, then turn red before turning a deep, glossy black. As soon as the berries turn black, harvest them. They do not continue to mature after harvest. Store them unwashed in the refrigerator for up to seven days, or freeze them for long-term storage. Only wash the blackberries right before you’re ready to eat or cook with them to prevent mold from growing.

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