How to Train and Prune Blackberries

Semitrailing Blackberries

• 1

  Construct a trellis with posts 20 feet apart. Install two wires between the posts at heights of 3 and 5 feet. Plant the blackberries about 10 feet apart.

• 2

  Train the canes to the trellis in a fan shape as they sprout in the spring. Canes should be about 5 feet long when tied to the trellis. Secure them to the wires with pieces of soft string.

• 3

  Prune old or dead canes from the plant after harvesting the berries. Leave six to 12 of the healthiest and most fruitful canes.

• 4

  Untie the canes for repositioning. Fan the remaining canes out and retie for the dormant season.

• 5

  Prune the canes back again in the spring just before growth begins. Cut each cane to a length of about 1 foot to encourage the best fruit in the coming season.

Erect Blackberries

• 6

  Construct a trellis with posts place 20 feet apart. Install a single wire between the posts, about 2 1/2 feet from the ground. Plant the blackberries three feet apart.

• 7

  Prune the tips from the blackberry plants when the canes reach a height of about 3 feet. This encourages the growth of lateral branches.

• 8

  Trim lateral branches to a length of about 1 foot during the growing season.

• 9

  Trim the laterals to a length of 1 to 1 1/2 feet after harvesting the blackberries.

• 10

  Leave about six of the healthiest canes per linear foot of growth. Remove all dead or unhealthy canes before the dormant season.