Cascade Blackberry varieties offer home gardeners flavorful fruit with generous yields and a distinct taste. Their adaptability makes them a popular addition to many gardens, appealing to those looking to grow their own fresh produce.
Distinctive Features
Cascade Blackberry (Rubus ursinus x loganberry ‘Cascade’) is recognized for its “wild trailing blackberry flavor.” These berries are notably large and juicy, providing a substantial harvest for fresh eating or culinary uses. While many trailing blackberries have thorns, some newer varieties, such as ‘Black Cascade’, are thornless, simplifying harvesting.
The growth habit of Cascade Blackberries is trailing, with canes that spread and require support. This makes them well-suited for trellising, which aids in managing growth and optimizing fruit production. Some Cascade varieties are floricane-fruiting, meaning they produce fruit on canes that grew in the previous year, while others, like ‘Black Cascade’, are primocane-fruiting, bearing fruit on first-year growth.
Getting Started: Planting and Site Preparation
Cascade Blackberries thrive in full sun, requiring at least eight hours of direct sunlight daily for robust growth and abundant fruit production. Protecting plants from high winds can prevent winter injury to the canes.
The soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter, ideally a loam or sandy loam. Blackberries prefer a soil pH range of 5.6 to 6.5, though they tolerate 5.5 to 7. Before planting, test the soil and amend it with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its structure and nutrient content.
When planting, dig a hole larger than the root ball, deep and wide enough for roots to spread. For trailing varieties, space plants 5 to 8 feet apart. Plant the blackberry at the same level as its nursery pot, or up to 1 centimeter deeper if bare-rooted.
After placing the plant, backfill the hole with amended soil, firming it gently to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly to settle the soil and reduce transplant shock. If planting bare-root canes, cut them back to about 6 inches after planting.
Cultivation and Ongoing Care
Consistent moisture is important for Cascade Blackberries, especially during active growth and fruit development. Plants typically require 1 to 2 inches of water per week, potentially increasing to 4 inches during peak harvest or in hot, dry conditions. Keep the top 8-10 inches of soil moist, but avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root issues.
Fertilization should begin after new growth emerges in the spring. A balanced complete fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formulation, or organic options like compost or manure, can be applied. A second application can be made after the harvest to support the plant’s recovery. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can prioritize leafy growth over fruit production.
Applying mulch around the base of the blackberry plants offers several benefits: weed suppression, moisture retention, and soil temperature regulation. Organic mulches like straw, leaves, or wood chips enrich the soil as they break down. Black plastic mulch also warms the soil and enhances early production. Regularly inspecting plants for signs of common pests or diseases allows for early intervention; proper spacing and good air circulation are key preventative measures.
Pruning and Training for Optimal Yield
Pruning Cascade Blackberries maintains plant health and maximizes fruit production. For floricane-fruiting varieties, which fruit on second-year canes, prune immediately after harvest. Cut canes that have just fruited (floricanes) back to the ground, as they will not produce again.
New canes, known as primocanes, emerge throughout the growing season. Thin these to ensure adequate air circulation and light penetration, aiming for strong canes for the next year’s crop. For trailing varieties, tipping primocanes when they reach a certain height encourages lateral branching and more fruiting wood.
Due to their trailing growth habit, Cascade Blackberries benefit from training on a trellis system. Trellises, whether horizontal or vertical, provide support, keeping canes off the ground and organized. Tie canes gently to trellis wires, which simplifies harvesting and helps prevent disease by improving airflow.
Harvesting and Enjoying Your Cascade Blackberries
Ripe Cascade Blackberries are a deep, uniform dark color and detach easily with a gentle tug. Harvest regularly during the fruiting season, which for some varieties can extend from July into autumn. Picking berries as they ripen encourages the plant to produce more.
Once harvested, fresh Cascade Blackberries are best stored in the refrigerator in a vented container. Do not wash the berries until just before use, as excess moisture can accelerate spoilage. Under proper refrigeration, berries typically remain fresh for 3 to 6 days.
For longer storage, blackberries freeze exceptionally well. Spread unwashed berries in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash-freeze them, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. This prevents clumping and allows for easy portioning. Cascade Blackberries are delicious fresh and suitable for a variety of culinary applications, including jams, pies, sauces, and other desserts.