How far apart should the plants be?

We recommend 8 feet in the row and 6 feet between rows or 3 feet wider than the equipment.

When is the best time to plant the blackberries?

We recommend any time from the last freeze in the spring to about two weeks before the first freeze in the fall.

What is the best type of structure to support the plants?

On a mature plant, you will get five canes that will grow up to 40 feet long each. The support is needed so you can keep the fruit at a height that makes picking easy. Generally, a grape-type trellis is best with 12 gage wire at three, four, five, and six feet. Tie the primary canes along the bottom wire using binder twine or the new berry clips sold. The plastic clips can easily be reused and last several seasons. With the primary along the bottom, the laterals should grow up towards the sun. Arrange them so they get as much sun as possible, tying them the same as the primaries. When the laterals get to the top, cut about two inches off the tip. New canes growing for next year's crop should be attached the same way but on the opposite side of the wires so it will be easy to remove the dead canes after they have fruited. If you want a DIY project, check out this article on making a Balcony Garden!

How large are the berries?

Generally the fruit will be one to one and a half inch long. Letting the fruit fully ripen will greatly add to the length.

How sweet is the berry?

If allowed to fully ripen, it is very sweet. According to a winery, the sugar was 11% compared to about 6% for wild blackberries. If it is “picked' instead of letting it fall into your hand, it will not be sweet and will pucker your mouth like a lemon.

How does the taste compare to other blackberries?

This depends on your taste preferences but generally, since it is sweet, the taste is pleasing to most people.

Do I need to protect the plant from our extreme winters?

Our winters in Indiana get down to as low as 10 below Fahrenheit and as high as 105 in summers… its pretty extreme. We have not done anything to protect the plants and they have survived for over 35 years. In colder areas with temperatures below minus 20, it is necessary to provide some protection. Snow is the first choice, then a high tunnel or 6 mil white or clear plastic temporary greenhouse is all that is needed and it will extend the growing season also.

How and when do I prune the plants?

We have never pruned the plants but rather we let the canes grow to full length. Tipping the primaries at any length will cause the laterals to grow longer but total plant and fruit production should be the same. After the plant has fruited, the two-year-old canes will die and need to be removed back to the ground to get rid of clutter and let more sunshine get to the new canes. This can be done two months or more after fruiting ends but generally, there are fewer errors in cutting in the spring. The plant recovers nitrogen from the dying canes and stores it to use in the spring to get the plant started growing again.

When is the best time to plant the blackberries?

We recommend any time from the last freeze in the spring to about two weeks before the first freeze in the fall.

How long does the plant live?

We actually don't know! We have plants over 30 years old still producing. Generally at about 15 years old the production declines but we don't know if this was from age or shortage of fertilizer as they had never been fertilized after the year of planting. Two customers have reported their plants are over 40 years old.

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5 Reasons Why You Should Buy Blackberry Plants Online

Thomas Doyle • January 7, 2025

5 Reasons Why You Should Buy Blackberry Plants Online Today

If you’ve been thinking about starting your own blackberry patch or adding a few new plants to your garden, buying blackberry plants online is a great way to get started. There are so many benefits to ordering your plants from the comfort of your home. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, here are five reasons why buying blackberry plants online is the way to go.

1. Convenience of Shopping from Home

Let’s be real—who doesn’t like a little convenience? Buying blackberry plants online means you don’t have to waste time driving to a garden center, walking around trying to find the right plants, and dealing with long lines. With just a few clicks, you can browse through a variety of blackberry plants, read reviews, and place your order all from the comfort of your own home. No hassle, no rush—just easy shopping at your own pace.

2. Wide Selection of Quality Plants

When you buy blackberry plants online, you get access to a wider selection than what you might find at a local garden store. Many online retailers specialize in specific types of plants, like thornless blackberry varieties, which are perfect for home gardeners. If you’re looking for something like Doyles Thornless Blackberry, known for its large yield and resilient nature, you’ll find it easily. You can also compare different plant varieties to make sure you’re choosing the best one for your climate and needs.

3. Detailed Information About the Plants

Buying plants online means you get more detailed information to help you make the right choice. Websites often include everything from planting tips to care instructions. You’ll know exactly what kind of soil, sun exposure, and care your new blackberry plant needs to thrive. This means you won’t be left guessing or struggling to figure out the best way to plant and maintain your new blackberry patch. Plus, many online stores offer customer reviews, so you can see how other gardeners are doing with the same plants.

4. Expert Advice and Support

A lot of online blackberry plant retailers offer customer service to help answer any questions you may have. Whether you're not sure which blackberry variety will grow best in your region or you're looking for tips on how to care for your new plants, online retailers often have knowledgeable staff ready to assist you. This can save you time and prevent mistakes, so you can be confident that you’re getting the right plants and information for your garden.

5. Delivery Right to Your Door

Another great reason to buy blackberry plants online is the delivery service. When you order your plants, they’ll be shipped directly to your door. No more lugging heavy plants from the store or worrying about transporting fragile plants. Online retailers also pack your plants carefully, ensuring they arrive in the best condition possible. All you need to do is open the box, plant them in your garden, and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Wrap-Up

Buying blackberry plants online offers convenience, a wide selection of plants, helpful information, expert support, and door-to-door delivery. With these benefits, it’s easy to see why online shopping is the best option for adding blackberries to your garden.

One excellent choice is Doyles Thornless Blackberry. Known for producing massive yields, this hardy and award-winning plant is perfect for gardeners looking to get the most out of their blackberry harvest. Whether you're in a frost zone or a warmer climate, Doyles Thornless Blackberry thrives in many environments and provides a steady supply of delicious berries. So, go ahead—place your order online today, and watch your garden grow!

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