Can Blackberries Be Grown in Containers?

Growing Blackberries

• Blackberries can successfully be grown in containers, and are listed by the West Virginia University Extension Service as one of the potential fruits for container gardens. The planting environment and type of blackberries chosen are critical to the success of the fruit. Look for either cuttings from another blackberry with a portion of the root attached or a container-grown plant from a nursery. Avoid the temptation to leave the plant in this container from the garden center because it will likely not provide the proper environment for the plant to thrive.

Choosing a Type

• Opt for semi-erect thorned or thornless blackberries because these grow lower to the ground, do not need a trellis and can be spaced closer together than trailing or semi-trailing thornless blackberries. Examples of these lower growing blackberries include Apache, Choctaw, Cherokee, Darrow, Comanche, Cheyenne, Navaho and Shawnee. Inquire at a local gardening center about the best varietals for your geographic location.

Choosing a Container

• Pick a large container at least 2 to 3 feet in diameter and just as deep. Plastic pots are lighter in weight, but the plastic can break down in the sun over time. Ceramic or terracotta containers should have a drainage hole in the base. Fill the container with potting soil to a level 2 inches below the top of the container. The potting soil and hole at the bottom of the container will provide the well-drained growing environment blackberries need. Place the container on a dolly to move around into full sun conditions as the seasons change or if you have shady spots in your yard. Blackberries, like other fruits, benefit most from direct sunlight.

Planting

• Container-grown blackberries should be planted at the same time as garden-grown blackberries. Plant cuttings in early spring, and transplant those in nursery containers into larger containers anytime between the late spring and the end of summer. Sink the nursery-grown plants into the larger containers 1 inch deeper than they were in the original containers. Place a 4 inch cutting horizontally in 3 inches of soil and completely cover it to allow it to grow. Shoots should appear within one to two months. Keep the soil well watered after transplanting blackberries.

Maintenance

• Water regularly to keep the soil moist. Two to three months after planting when the plants are 2 1/2 feet tall, cut off 3 inches from the growing tips to encourage the growth of side shoots. The next spring, keep the side branches pruned to 10 to 12 inches long. Harvest fruits in the summer during the morning hours after the dew has dried. Pick large, fully black, slightly soft fruits for eating immediately. Blackberries do not continue to ripen after picking.