Description
The blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) is an erect, early ripening, thornless shrub. Clusters of pinkish-white, rose-like flowers give way to large, small, seeded, bright glossy blackberries. The berries are firm and very tasty, great for making jams and syrups.
This plant is self-supporting and therefore does not need a trellis. Due to its low chilling requirement, it is an excellent performer in warmer climates.
Position
Thornless Blackberry bush enjoys full sun and part shade. For best results, plant it in a sheltered, sunny position. Although they can tolerate some afternoon shade, the yield would be better in full sun.
Size
These bushes can grow to 1about 1-2 metres, with a 1m width. Plant these bushes about 1m apart for best results, as they are upright and do not require any support.
Soil Type
This berry plant enjoys organic rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soil.
Plant with our: Berry/All-plant Fertiliser, Pine Bark Mulch, and Volcanic Rock Dust, which contains organic minerals and trace elements to boost soil health and increase important micro-organisms essential for healthy soil.
Dig a 50cm x 50cm deep hole and add a bag of compost or acid compost. Mix the berry mix and volcanic rock dust into the top section of this soil. Make a little hole and plant, ensuring you don’t add the soil higher than where the soil is in the bag. Place the plant directly into the soil mixture and, add the pine bark mulch on top, keeping it away from the plant’s stem.
Watering
Blackberries dislike waterlogged soil. Keep the top inch of soil moist for the first 2-3 weeks. Give it a good soaking every 2 – 3 days if there’s been no rain during summer. During the winter, water lightly twice a week.
Mulching
To maintain the soil acidity, apply good organic mulch, like pine bark, around the plant every few months. Keep the mulch away from the stem of the plant.
Fertilising
Use a slow-release nitrogen-rich fertiliser, like our Berry/ALL-plant Fertiliser. Apply 1 teaspoon every 4-5 months.
Pruning
Prune erect blackberries twice yearly.
During summer, pinch out the tips of new canes when they reach about 90cm to promote side branch growth.
Prune again in late winter by removing at ground level all the canes that have fruited the previous season.
Remove any young canes that are crowded, spindly, or diseased, and shorten the fruiting laterals to 30-45cm.
Harvesting
When the fruit turns dark red to black, you can begin harvesting. The ripest berries are a deep, shiny black and should be picked for eating fresh.
