Ruqayyah Snyder
Blackberries are a delicious treat, but they can be expensive and are often covered in plastic and pesticides when bought in stores. Luckily, they are easy to grow in your own garden and can be grown in abundance in Australia. This guide will teach you how to grow blackberries in Australia, covering topics such as soil preparation, planting, watering, and harvesting. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy fresh, sweet, and luscious blackberries straight from your garden.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Planting time | Winter |
| Soil type | Slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.5-6.5 |
| Soil preparation | Mix in compost, manure, or a soil improver and fertiliser |
| Plant spacing | 1-2 metres apart |
| Sunlight | Full sun or part shade, at least 3 hours of full sun per day |
| Support structure | Trellis, fence, or wires |
| Watering | Regular, keeping the soil moist |
| Feeding | Organic fertiliser in spring, and weekly during flowering/fruiting season |
| Pruning | After planting, prune canes to 20cm from the ground; after fruiting, prune canes to ground level |
| Harvest | Summer |
| Varieties | Chester, Waldo, Thornfree, Heritage |
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What You'll Learn
Soil preparation
Firstly, choose a spot in your garden that receives full sun and has well-drained soil. Blackberries need plenty of sunlight to grow and produce fruit, so make sure the spot you choose gets adequate sunlight throughout the day.
Before planting, clear away any weeds from the area. Weeds will compete with the blackberries for nutrients and water, slowing their growth. You can do this by digging over the soil to loosen it and removing any visible weeds. It is important to keep the area free of weeds until you are ready to plant your blackberries.
To improve the soil structure and nutrient content, mix in some organic matter such as compost, aged animal manure, or a commercial soil improver. Blackberry plants prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. If the pH of your soil is higher than this range, you can add compost or manure to increase acidity. For further lowering of the pH, powdered sulphur can be used.
When you are ready to plant, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball of your blackberry plant and at the same depth. Loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole and mix in some organic fertiliser or plant food with the backfill soil. Ensure that the crown of the plant is level with the ground and not below it.
After planting, water the blackberries well to settle their roots. It is important to keep the soil moist, so regular watering may be necessary, especially during the growing season.
By following these steps, you will be able to prepare the soil adequately for growing healthy and productive blackberry plants.
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Planting
When planting blackberries, it is important to prepare the soil by weeding it thoroughly, digging it over to loosen it, and adding compost or aged manure to increase acidity and improve soil health and structure. Blackberries prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Powdered sulphur can be added if the pH is still too high. It is also crucial to choose a permanent position for the blackberry plant, in full sun with well-drained soil. They need plenty of room to grow and should be planted 1-2 metres apart.
Before planting, set up a sturdy support structure such as a trellis or wire fence to help the blackberries grow and make pruning and maintenance easier. Blackberry plants require regular feeding and watering. It is recommended to water blackberries well after planting and to keep the soil moist. To encourage root development and new growth, you can prune the canes to about 20cm from the ground after planting. Make sure to tie the canes to the support structure as they grow.
The best time to plant blackberries is in winter when the plants are dormant and easier to handle. When planting, dig a hole twice as wide as the original pot or root ball and at the same depth. Ensure that the crown of the plant is level with the ground. Fill the hole with a mix of soil and fertiliser, and settle the roots in by watering the plant.
Blackberries can also be tip-layered. To do this, dig a small hole near the plant within reach of a flexible, current-season cane tip. Bend and bury the tip of the cane into the hole and firm down the soil. Regular watering is required, and roots should form within 8-12 weeks.
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Support structures
Blackberry plants require a support structure to grow on, such as a trellis or wire fence. The support structure should be installed before planting to avoid disturbing the roots later on. When planting, ensure the crown of the plant is at ground level.
Blackberry plants can also be grown along a fence or with a sturdy post-and-wire system. For the latter, stretch four to five wires between posts placed 3 metres apart, with the lowest wire 45 cm from the ground. The current year's fruiting canes can be fanned or woven over the lower wires, and the new season's growth bundled on the top wire.
If using a trellis, tie the blackberry plants gently to the support using twine or plant ties as they grow. Tying the canes to the trellis in bundles and training them in a wave shape along the trellis can make them easier to manage.
Blackberry plants can also be grown in large pots or containers to contain their roots, which have a habit of suckering. Choose a pot that is at least 50 cm deep and wide, and fill it with a premium organic-based potting mix.
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Maintenance
Watering
Blackberry plants require regular watering, especially during the growing season. Check the moisture level by testing the soil about 5 cm below the surface. Water when the soil feels dry at this depth. It is best to water early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Avoid watering the leaves to prevent fungal diseases. Ensure that the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging, which can be detrimental to the plant's health.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to encourage new growth and fruit production. After planting, you may choose to prune the canes to about 20 cm from the ground. This will stimulate root development. Blackberry plants fruit on second-year growth, so in the winter, prune all canes that fruited during the current season by cutting them down to ground level. Leave the young canes that emerge during spring (primocanes) as these will fruit the following year.
Trellis or Support Structure
Blackberry plants benefit from a trellis or support structure to grow on. This makes pruning and harvesting easier and helps to keep the plants upright. If using a trellis, tie the canes gently to the trellis as they grow. Alternatively, you can use a sturdy post-and-wire system with horizontal wires along a fence or between sturdy posts. Install the support structure before planting to avoid disturbing the roots later.
Feeding and Fertilising
Blackberry plants require regular feeding. Feed with organic-based fertilisers in early spring and late summer. For an extra boost, feed weekly with a berry liquid plant food during the flowering and fruiting season. Mulch around the root zone with organic matter such as compost or aged manure to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and provide additional nutrients.
Weed Control and Pest Management
Keep the area around the plants free from weeds, as they will compete with the blackberries for nutrients and water. Pull out or remove any unwanted suckers or runners that appear around the base of the plant. Be vigilant for common pests and diseases that may affect blackberry plants, and take appropriate measures to control or prevent them.
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Harvesting
Blackberries fruit on second-year growth, so it's important to identify the correct canes to cut down after harvesting. The spent fruiting canes should be cut to ground level, while the current season's growth should be spared and tied to a trellis or support structure in preparation for the next fruiting season.
When harvesting blackberries, it is best to pick the fruit when it is ripe and well-coloured. Thornless varieties, such as 'Waldo', 'Chester', and 'Thornfree', are available and make the harvesting process more enjoyable, as you don't have to worry about getting scratched by thorns. These varieties are also less invasive than wild blackberries and won't sprawl into impenetrable thickets.
After harvesting, it is important to remove any old canes and detangle the following year's fruiting canes. Good gloves are recommended if you are dealing with thorny varieties. You can also cut the canes down to ground level and discard them or replant them in another part of the garden.
Blackberries are perennials, so with proper care, your plants will continue to bear fruit for many years, providing an abundant harvest for your household.
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Frequently asked questions
The best time to plant blackberries is during winter when the plants are dormant and easier to handle and transport.
Blackberries prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5-6.5. The soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter.
Blackberries require full sun. They should be planted in a spot that receives at least 3 hours of sunlight each day.
Blackberries are sprawling shrubs and can grow to about 1.5m tall. They require plenty of space to grow, and if growing more than one plant, they should be spaced 1-2 metres apart.
Popular thornless blackberry varieties in Australia include Chester, Waldo, and Thornfree. These varieties are heavy croppers and less invasive than wild blackberries.
