Planting Blackberry Plants
Few things are as delicious as homegrown blackberries, and the success of your harvest begins right with the planting site and method. For maximum growth and yields later on, give your brambles the best foundation possible.
NOTE: This is part 4 in a series of 11 articles. For a complete background on how to grow blackberry plants, we recommend starting from the beginning.
Before Planting
Before you plant, check your soil pH. This can be done by contacting your local County Extension Office for information about soil testing in your area, or purchase one of our digital meters for quick and accurate results. Ideally, your blackberries need a soil pH between 5.8-6.8. Steer clear of soils that are extremely heavy or very poorly drained.
Spacing
- Stark Bro’s sells two types of blackberries: erect and semi-erect. Space both erect and semi-erect brambles 3’ apart in the row, with 8’ between each row.
- Do not plant Red, Gold or Purple raspberries and blackberries closer than 75-100 feet to Black raspberries. Black raspberries are susceptible to viral diseases carried by aphids from nearby plants.
Planting Tips
- As you plant your new berry bushes, avoid getting them too deep. The crown should be right at soil level, with the roots just under the surface.
- If your berries are potted, plant them at the same depth they are in the pot.
- Fill the hole with moist topsoil, then tamp the soil with hands to remove air pockets.
- Water the plant.
- Prune back the stems to about 2”. Pruning is not necessary on potted berries.
Additional Notes
- Do not put fertilizer in hole with plants. We recommend Stark Bro’s® Blackberry & Bramble fertilizer after plants start to green up and start growing. Fertilize lightly the first time and do not put fertilizer directly on plants.
- Your brambles will live 10-12 years with proper maintenance.
- For a family of 5, we suggest planting 15-20 plants (3-4 plants per person).
