How to Plant Kiowa Berries

Select a planting site for Kiowa blackberries in full sun to obtain the fastest growth. This variety of blackberry grows as a perennial in United States Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 5 through 8. This means the Kiowa blackberry is hardy in areas where the lowest temperature during the winter is between minus 20 and 20 degrees F.

Loosen the soil in the planting site to a depth of about 6 inches. Kiowa blackberries can tolerate a range of soil types, as long as it has good drainage.

Plant the Kiowa blackberry canes to a depth equal to 1/2 their length, which is usually about 6 inches. Space the canes about 4 feet apart, and firm the soil around the canes to hold them upright. Plant at least 5 canes in each row, so they can support each other as they mature.

Apply 2 inches of organic mulch around the Kiowa blackberry canes to retain moisture. Provide the canes with 1 to 2 inches of water during the growing season in spring and summer.

Place a 4-foot stake beside each Kiowa blackberry cane. Tie each cane to its stake with flexible twine to keep it upright as it grows.

Remove dead and diseased canes with pruning shears during the fall when the Kiowa blackberry is dormant. Prune the healthy canes to 4 feet in height to increase their fruit production.