How to Grow Doyle's Blackberries on a Pole

Plant Doyle's blackberry vines in spring, when the frost is off the ground, to ensure a long summer growing season. Choose a site that gets at least eight hours of sun every day, with good drainage. Although many blackberries can grow in shade or in partial sun, they will thrive and bloom more successfully in sunshine. If you don't have any outdoor space, grow your Doyle's blackberries in a 30-gallon pot with a drainage hole.

Amend the soil at the site with a combination of half quick-draining soil and half organic compost. Dig the amendment into the top 5 inches of soil at the planting site. If you're using a pot, fill it 3/4 full with this same mixture.

Dig a hole that is as deep as the Doyle's blackberry's root ball and twice as wide. Put the root ball into the hole and spread the roots out fully, to give them good exposure to the soil. Sprinkle 2 to 3 inches of amended soil on top of the roots and pack it down to eliminate any air pockets.

Put a pole, stake or trellis behind the blackberry vine to support it as it gets older. Doyle's blackberries are vining plants and require structural support to bloom and bear fruit. When the vine gets tall enough, tie the main vine to the pole or stake with felt ties to support it. The vine will learn to grow along the pole by itself as it gets older.

Water the Doyle's blackberry bush with 2 inches of water a week to maintain consistent soil moisture. Never allow the blackberry's soil to dry, as the bush will suffer. If you've put your blackberry bush in a pot, keep it in a sunny location on the porch or patio.