How to Grow Blackberry

A cool-season fruit for the home garden across the warmer US.

Blackberry is a rewarding cool-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Blackberry is a cool-season crop. In the South and Southwest, plant in fall through winter when the heat eases. See your region on the blackberry page for exact timing.

Varieties

Kiowa, Thorny, very large fruit (Southern nurseries)
Natchez, Thornless, early, productive (Southern nurseries)

How to grow it

Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
Spacing: about 150 cm (59 in) between plants.
Sowing: sow about 10 cm deep.
Water: roughly 8 L per plant every 3 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Birds, Spider mite and Aphids. In humid regions, Botrytis, Rust, Anthracnose and Root rot can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Blackberry is usually ready to harvest within roughly 12 months once established. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant blackberry where you garden.

See what to plant this month

Pick your region for a month-by-month calendar tuned to your climate.

Find your region →