Do Blackberries Grow on a Bush or a Tree?

Types

• Blackberry plants fall into three categories. Erect blackberries have self-supporting canes, while semi-erect blackberries require support or staking. Trailing blackberries need a trellis to climb. Most cultivars produce shoots with thorns, but some thornless varieties exist.

Geography

• Blackberries thrive in full sun and well-drained sandy or loam soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. Amend alkaline soil with organic matter to lower the pH before planting. Blackberry bushes do not tolerate heavy, wet soils or flooding. If you're planting blackberries in an area with a high water table, use raised beds for the bushes.

Benefits

• Blackberries are high in dietary fiber and vitamin C and are a source of antioxidants. The dark pigment is used to make food-safe dyes.