Blackberries are a rewarding addition to the home garden, offering abundant, delicious fruit with minimal effort once established. Successfully growing these brambles begins with careful planning and following specific steps during the initial planting phase. Understanding the different growth habits and ensuring the right environment are the first steps toward a healthy, productive planting.
Selecting the Right Blackberry Variety and Location
Choosing the appropriate blackberry type is the first consideration, as varieties fall into three main categories based on their cane structure. Erect varieties grow upright and are often self-supporting, making them ideal for smaller spaces or where trellising is impractical. Semi-erect types have a vigorous, arching growth pattern that requires a support system to keep the fruit-laden canes off the ground. Trailing blackberries produce flexible canes that must be trained onto a trellis for proper air circulation and fruit development.
The planting site must receive full sun, meaning a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily, as this is necessary for high yields and good fruit quality. Shadier locations will produce plants that are primarily vegetative, resulting in very little fruit production. Soil quality is equally important, requiring excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
Blackberries thrive in a slightly acidic soil environment, with a preferred pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. Before planting, a soil test can determine if amendments like lime or sulfur are needed to adjust the pH level. Plants are commonly purchased as either bare-root stock or in containers. Bare-root plants must be planted while dormant, typically in early spring or late fall.
Step-by-Step Planting Process
Planting the blackberry bush should occur in the early spring as soon as the soil is workable, though late fall planting is also an option. If planting bare-root stock, the roots should be soaked in water for one to two hours immediately before planting to rehydrate them. This step aids in the plant’s initial establishment.
A planting hole needs to be dug wide enough to accommodate the root system, and generally about 12 inches deep. For bare-root plants, the crown—the point where the stem meets the roots—should be set approximately two inches below the soil surface. Container-grown plants should be placed into the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding ground.
Spread the roots out evenly in the hole before backfilling with the excavated soil, which can be amended with compost. Once the hole is filled, firm the soil around the plant to eliminate any air pockets that could dry out the roots. The final step is to water deeply to settle the soil around the newly planted roots.
Essential Initial Care and Trellising
Immediate post-planting care is focused on reducing stress and encouraging the growth of new canes. Newly planted bare-root canes must be pruned back to a height of about six inches right after planting. This initial cut reduces the demand on the root system, allowing the plant to focus energy on root establishment.
Trellising is necessary for all trailing and semi-erect varieties, and many gardeners find it beneficial for erect types, especially when the canes are heavy with fruit. A simple two-wire system, with wires strung at approximately three and five feet above the ground, provides adequate support for training the growing canes. Setting the trellis structure up at the time of planting prevents disturbance to the roots later on.
Blackberries require consistent moisture, especially during the first year while the root system develops. The plants need about one to two inches of water per week, or approximately two gallons per plant per day when fruit production begins. Applying a two to three-inch layer of organic mulch around the base helps to conserve soil moisture and suppresses weeds.