{"id":1004,"date":"2023-04-23T03:29:56","date_gmt":"2023-04-23T10:29:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/?p=1004"},"modified":"2023-06-27T11:57:37","modified_gmt":"2023-06-27T18:57:37","slug":"how-to-grow-blackberries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-blackberries\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Grow Blackberries &#8211; A Beginner&#8217;s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-layzr=\"https:\/\/www.gardeningeats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/How-to-Grow-Blackberries.png\" alt=\"blackberries plant growing in garden\" title=\"\"><br \/>\nBlackberries, which are known botanically as Rubus spp., are a type of fruit that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing blackberries as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-blackberries\/#Best_Time_to_Plant_Blackberries\" title=\"Best Time to Plant Blackberries\">Best Time to Plant Blackberries<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-blackberries\/#How_to_Plant_Blackberries_the_Right_Way\" title=\"How to Plant Blackberries the Right Way\">How to Plant Blackberries the Right Way<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-blackberries\/#How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Blackberries\" title=\"How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Blackberries\">How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Blackberries<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-blackberries\/#How_Much_to_Water_Blackberries\" title=\"How Much to Water Blackberries\">How Much to Water Blackberries<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-blackberries\/#How_Long_Does_it_Take_Blackberries_to_Germinate_and_Grow\" title=\"How Long Does it Take Blackberries to Germinate and Grow?\">How Long Does it Take Blackberries to Germinate and Grow?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-blackberries\/#When_to_Harvest_Blackberries\" title=\"When to Harvest Blackberries\">When to Harvest Blackberries<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-blackberries\/#What_Can_Blackberries_Be_Used_For\" title=\"What Can Blackberries Be Used For?\">What Can Blackberries Be Used For?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-blackberries\/#Can_Blackberries_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\" title=\"Can Blackberries Grow in Pots and Containers?\">Can Blackberries Grow in Pots and Containers?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-blackberries\/#Are_Blackberries_Safe_for_Bees\" title=\"Are Blackberries Safe for Bees?\">Are Blackberries Safe for Bees?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Time_to_Plant_Blackberries\"><\/span>Best Time to Plant Blackberries<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the blackberry seeds in late fall or early spring, using bare-root or container-grown plants. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather.<\/p>\n<p>To check when blackberries are most likely to thrive in your area, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/planthardiness.ars.usda.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map<\/a>. If you live outside the US, do a quick search for &#8216;plant hardiness zone + [city]&#8217;.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Plant_Blackberries_the_Right_Way\"><\/span>How to Plant Blackberries the Right Way<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There are a number of things to consider that will help you avoid some of the common mistakes of growing blackberries in your home garden. <\/p>\n<p>Often overlooked, your soil can have a huge impact on how well your blackberries grow. Generally, your soil should be well-drained and fertile. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.esf.edu\/pubprog\/brochure\/soilph\/soilph.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Soil PH levels<\/a> should be around 5.5 to 6.5.<\/p>\n<p>4-6 feet apart in rows 8-10 feet apart. 3-5 feet apart in rows 8-10 feet apart. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of about 12-18&#8243;. For each plant, be sure to sow at least a few seeds to ensure that at least one of them will germinate.<\/p>\n<p>Begin thinning your blackberry seedlings 3-5 feet apart when plants are 1-2 years old.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Blackberries\"><\/span>How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Blackberries<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The amount of sunlight is another key to a successful harvest. Too much sunlight will dry out your blackberries. Not enough sunlight will stunt your its growth or even kill it.<\/p>\n<p>Ideally, your blackberries should be getting full sun to partial shade, which means at least 4-6 hours of sunlight.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_to_Water_Blackberries\"><\/span>How Much to Water Blackberries<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As you&#8217;ve figured by now, a lot can have an impact on how well your blackberries do, and the amount of water is no different.<\/p>\n<p>Ideally, the soil should be damp to touch; not soggy or bone dry. If the leaves on your blackberries begin to change colors or start to look droopy, you need to adjust how much water you&#8217;re giving it.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, if you give it too much or too little water, you can kill it, so it&#8217;s best to just keep an eye on it and water as needed.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Does_it_Take_Blackberries_to_Germinate_and_Grow\"><\/span>How Long Does it Take Blackberries to Germinate and Grow?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Now the fun part begins and you get to watch your blackberries grow.<\/p>\n<p>It takes approximately plants do not need to germinate to germinate, and a total of 1-2 years for fruit production from seed to harvest.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_Harvest_Blackberries\"><\/span>When to Harvest Blackberries<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The best time to harvest your blackberries is when berries are fully black and easily separate from the plant.<\/p>\n<p>Blackberries can grow up to about 1\/2-1&#8243; diameter fruit.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Can_Blackberries_Be_Used_For\"><\/span>What Can Blackberries Be Used For?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Food Use:<\/strong> great for snacking, baking, and smoothies.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Flavor Profile:<\/strong> sweet, slightly tart, and juicy.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_Blackberries_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\"><\/span>Can Blackberries Grow in Pots and Containers?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, you can plant up to 1 plant per 20-24&#8243; container. This can help control weeds and keep your plant from growing out of control.<\/p>\n<p>It also gives you the flexibility to move your blackberries around if you need to adjust sunlight or bring it indoors to avoid harsh weather conditions.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_Blackberries_Safe_for_Bees\"><\/span>Are Blackberries Safe for Bees?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, blackberries are safe for bees. <\/p>\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/usa\/sustainable-agriculture\/save-the-bees\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GreenPeace.org<\/a>, bees pollinate human food crops that make up about 90% of the world&#8217;s nutrition.<\/p>\n<p>Given their importance in our ecosystem and food supply, I feel it is important to note that growing blackberries is bee-friendly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Blackberries, which are known botanically as Rubus spp., are a type of fruit that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing blackberries as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way. Best Time to Plant Blackberries This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the blackberry seeds in late fall or early spring, using bare-root or container-grown plants. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather. To check when blackberries are most likely to thrive in your area, <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":940,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[231,18],"tags":[176,22],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1004"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1004"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1004\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1138,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1004\/revisions\/1138"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/940"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1004"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1004"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1004"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}