Transplanting wild blackberries is possible, but it requires significant care due to their aggressive, widespread root systems. Wild blackberries generally have two growth habits: erect types that grow upright from a central crown, and trailing types that produce long canes needing support. Success depends on respecting the plant’s natural vigor while minimizing the shock of relocation.
Best Time and Preparation for Uprooting
The optimal time for transplanting a wild blackberry is when the plant is dormant. This occurs in late fall after the leaves have dropped or in very early spring before new buds swell. Moving the plant during dormancy ensures its energy focuses on root establishment, reducing transplant shock. Younger, smaller canes or healthy suckers are better choices than trying to move a large, mature crown.
Before digging, prepare the plant by significantly pruning the existing canes. Cut the canes back to a manageable height, typically between 6 to 12 inches. This reduces the surface area requiring moisture and helps the root system cope with disturbance stress. A few days before the transplant, thoroughly water the soil around the chosen plant. This ensures the root ball stays cohesive and moist during extraction.
Techniques for Safe Removal and Transport
Extraction must preserve as much of the root system as possible, as roots are the most vulnerable part during transplant. Begin digging a wide circle around the cane, about 12 to 18 inches away from the base, to accommodate the sprawling roots. Drive the shovel straight down to cut through horizontal runners, then gently work around the circumference to create a root ball.
For erect types, aim to lift a compact crown of roots. For trailing varieties, you may separate and lift rooted suckers or layered tips that have formed new plants. Dig down approximately 12 inches to include the bulk of the root mass in the lift. Once the root ball is loose, gently pry it from the ground and immediately place it onto a tarp, container, or burlap to keep the roots moist and protected. Handling the thorny canes requires heavy-duty gloves.
Establishing the Wild Cane in a New Location
The planting site needs a hole at least twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. Amending the backfill soil with organic matter like compost provides a nutrient-rich environment and improves drainage. Blackberries do not thrive in waterlogged conditions. Position the blackberry crown—the point where the cane meets the roots—in the new hole at the same level or slightly higher than its original location.
After backfilling the hole and firming the soil to eliminate air pockets, the transplanted cane requires immediate and deep watering. Since wild blackberries are vigorous growers, set up a trellis or support structure at the time of planting, especially for trailing types. This manages the long canes and keeps them off the ground. Controlling the aggressive nature of the plant is an ongoing task. Promptly remove any suckers or runners that emerge away from the main planting area to prevent invasive spread.