Thornless blackberries, which are typically cultivars of Rubus fruticosus or related hybrids, are highly valued cane fruits popular for their ease of harvest and robust growth habit. These perennial plants produce fruit on canes that are two years old, known as floricanes, which emerge from the plant’s crown or from suckers. Successfully moving an established patch requires careful timing and execution to ensure the plant’s long-term health and fruit production. This guidance focuses on the precise steps necessary to relocate these plants.
Identifying the Optimal Transplant Season
The most advantageous time to move thornless blackberries is during their winter dormancy period, which dramatically minimizes the shock of relocation. This window typically falls between late winter and very early spring, often from February through the beginning of March, before the plant begins to push new buds. Transplanting during this phase is preferable because the plant’s metabolic activity and water demand are at their lowest point. Reduced leaf canopy and slowed internal processes mean the root system needs to support far less structure during the establishment phase.
Transplanting in the fall, after the harvest is complete, is technically possible, but it carries a greater risk, especially in regions prone to early hard freezes. A fall-moved plant has less time to establish new feeder roots before the ground freezes solid, making it more susceptible to winter desiccation and damage. Waiting until late winter ensures the plant is ready to direct all its energy into root growth as soon as the soil warms.
Essential Preparation Before Moving
Preparation must begin in the days leading up to the move, starting with a significant reduction of the plant’s above-ground mass. The existing canes should be cut back severely, leaving only short stubs, typically between 6 to 12 inches high. This pruning balances the plant by reducing the demand on the roots, which will inevitably be damaged during the digging process, allowing the plant to focus energy on establishing a new root system.
The new planting location must be thoroughly prepared to receive the plant without delay. Blackberries thrive in well-drained soil that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. The soil should be amended with organic matter, such as high-quality compost, to enrich the environment and improve drainage before the plant arrives. A day or two before the planned move, the blackberry clump should be watered lightly but thoroughly at its base. This pre-watering helps the soil adhere firmly to the roots, making the root ball more cohesive.
Step-by-Step Transplanting Process
The process of moving the plant begins by digging a wide circle around the crown to capture as many of the existing roots as possible. Aim to dig vertically downward at a distance of about 12 to 18 inches away from the center of the plant’s crown to secure a generous root ball. The goal is to lift a compact mass of soil and roots, minimizing the severance of the fine, nutrient-absorbing root hairs.
Once the perimeter is cut, a shovel can be used to undercut the root ball horizontally, carefully leveraging the entire clump out of the ground. Immediately after lifting, the root ball should be protected from drying out by wrapping it in damp burlap or placing it directly onto a tarp. Replanting should occur as quickly as possible, as exposure of the roots to air, wind, or sun can cause rapid, irreversible damage.
The prepared hole in the new location needs to be approximately twice the width of the root ball. The plant should be set into the hole at the same depth it was growing previously, ensuring the crown is level with the surrounding soil surface. Backfill the hole carefully with the amended soil, gently tamping it down around the roots in layers to eliminate any air pockets that could dry out the roots.
Critical Care Immediately After Moving
Immediate care following replanting is important for successfully establishing the blackberry in its new location. The first step is to provide a deep, thorough watering immediately after the soil is tamped down. This initial heavy watering, sometimes called “puddling in,” serves to settle the soil firmly around all the roots and eliminate any remaining small air pockets.
After the initial soaking, a thick layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or straw, should be applied around the base of the plant. This layer should be about two to three inches deep, helping to regulate soil temperature and retain necessary moisture. It must be kept a few inches away from the cane stubs to prevent crown rot. Consistent moisture must be maintained, especially during the first growing season, to support the development of new roots and reduce the stress of relocation. Newly transplanted blackberries benefit from regular monitoring to ensure the soil remains moist, particularly during dry spells, while avoiding saturation that could lead to root rot.