Blackberry Growing Guide

Rubus fruticosus

Blackberry

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Fertile soil enriched with compost. Prefers a pH of 6.

Position

Fine in a shady position.

Frost tolerant

Yes.

Feeding

Not normally required but if leaves start to yellow then add a liquid feed.

Spacing

Single Plants: 90cm (2' 11") each way (minimum)
Rows: 90cm (2' 11") with 90cm (2' 11") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Plant purchased plants when the soil is workable from mid autumn to spring, when dormant, or use offshoots from an existing plant and cut them to 15cm (6 in) after planting. Mulch after planting.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Need supporting on wires or tied against a fence. Train the canes onto wire supports from 1m (3ft) high and above. Each autumn add some compost. Plants can be invasive make sure to keep them incheck.

Harvesting

Pick over a long season as ripe.

Troubleshooting

Net to prevent bird damage. Plant a thornless variety to take the pain out of harvesting. Make sure to take appropriate control measures in areas where fruit flies are present. Place any infested fruit, or fruits that have fallen to the ground, in a sealed plastic bag in the sun for at least 7 days to kill the eggs and larvae. Do not compost infested fruits as this will lead to the fruit flies completing their life cycle and the problem recurring.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Blackberry