How Long Does It Take to Grow Blackberries?

Planting Location

• Blackberries do best in warmer climates and can be grown in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 7, 8 or 9. Select a planting site that receives full sun and where strong winds are not prevalent. The soil should have a high content of humic or organic matter, with sandy loam or loam soils being the ideal. Other advantageous soil characteristics include good drainage and a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5.

Planting and Pruning

• Growers normally plant during the dormant season from root cuttings. Such cuttings are portions of roots about the size of a pencil. You may dig up the cuttings in winter and store them in moist sawdust. To plant, lay the roots horizontally in the ground 2 to 4 inches deep, allowing two to three feet of space between the roots in the row. Allow eight to 12 feet of space between planted rows. Blackberry plants produce structures called primocanes the first year. Cut these back when they get 36 to 48 inches tall to facilitate branching. The plants produce structures called floricanes the second year, which yield fruit. After fruiting, these structures will die and growers should then cut them to the ground.

Care

• Fertilize only with nitrogen and apply in small frequent quantities in a band along the row, starting at bloom. The plants need either rainfall or irrigation every week. Irrigation is very important for new plantings as well as bearing plants. Bury drip irrigation lines into the soil at planting time, or lay them on the surface of the ground next to the plants and cover with mulch. Start the irrigation at the beginning of the growing season and reduce it at the end. You may need to irrigate infrequently in winter in the drought years.

Harvest

• You will know that it is time for harvesting when the berries are fully colored and you can easily remove them from the plant. The prime time to harvest is in the morning after the dew has evaporated. Pick the fruit every three days to ensure optimal sugar content. Once you pick the berries, you should immediately store them in the refrigerator. The storage life is three to four days with refrigeration and one day without. You may also freeze them to use later.