Planting Your New Blackberry Bush

Follow these easy steps to plant and care for your Triple Crown thornless blackberry plants for healthy growth and bountiful harvests.

1. Selecting the Planting Site

Sunlight: Choose a location with full sun (6-8 hours daily).

Soil: Ensure well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Conduct a soil test and amend if needed.

2. Planting Instructions
  • Plant in early spring after the last frost.
  • Space plants 4-5 feet apart, with 8-10 feet between rows.
  • Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and plant the crown at soil level.
  • Water thoroughly after planting.
3. Fertilization and Pruning

Fertilization

  • First Year: Apply balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring.
  • Subsequent Years: Fertilize in spring and again after harvest.

Pruning

  • After planting: Cut canes to 6 inches above the soil.
  • Annual pruning: In early spring, remove dead or damaged canes and tip-prune the remaining ones to encourage branching.
  • After fruiting: Remove spent canes (floricanes) at ground level.
4. Mulching, Trellising, and Winter Care

Mulching

Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch (straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves) around the plant base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Trellising

Install a two-wire trellis (wires at 3 and 5 feet). Train canes along the wires in a fan pattern for better support and easier harvest.

Winter Care

In colder regions, apply a thicker mulch layer to protect roots. Consider covering plants with burlap if temperatures fall below 10°F.

5. Watering

Water consistently to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water more often during periods of drought.

6. Pest and Disease Management

Regularly inspect plants for pests like cane borers or diseases like anthracnose. Remove affected parts and use appropriate treatments if necessary.

7. Harvesting

Pick berries when they are fully black, shiny, and firm. Harvest every 2-3 days and refrigerate promptly.

Looking to add the exceptional Triple Crown Thornless Blackberry to your garden? Click here to explore this productive, easy-to-grow variety and make it part of your landscape today!