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Blackberry

(Rubus Fruiticosus)

How Do Blackberries Grow?

 

USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 9 

 

Blackberries are also known as brambleberries, brummel, and bly. 

 

The roots of a blackberry plant are perennial, and the cane (stem) is biennial. The blackberry is not a true berry but an aggregate fruit that is made up of tiny individual fruits called drupelets.

Seasonal Growth

 

Spring:    Plant in spring in areas that have cold winters

Summer: Plant and berry development and select harvest

Fall:         Plant in late fall in areas with mild winters

Winter:    Seed germination or dormant, depending on the severity of temperatures

 

Health Benefits

 

History

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What is the history of blackberries?

 

Blackberries are native to Asia, Europe, North and South America. They grow wild in temperate regions and were eaten by ancient cultures. 

 

Medicinally, blackberries have been used to combat fever and irritated bowel syndrome for more than 2,000 years. Greeks used blackberries as a remedy for gout while Romans made a tea from the blackberry leaves to treat various illnesses, including sore throats and diarrhea.  

 

The development of blackberry production is relatively modern, and developed primarily by Judge Logan in California in 1880. Logan identified means of cultivating and propagating cross breeds of berries producing a great-tasting, thornless berry that is commercially produced today. 

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Propagation

 

How are blackberries propagated?

 

Blackberries are self-fertilizing and grow new bushes from stems that are placed in the soil. This method is called tip layering when stems grow new roots when they come in contact with soil. 

 

Blackberries grow best in sandy soil that has a pH of 4.5 to 7.5.

 

Once all the fruit has been picked, a branch is chosen that is young and the thickness of a pencil. 

It is planted in hole about 4 inches deep then covered with fertilized garden soil and rocks around the stem  to hold it in place. A lower branch of a bush can also be planted before it is cut from the mother plant.  Once it has set roots, it can be cut and transplanted.  Water frequently, keeping the soil moist, not allowing standing water. Mulch around the plant to help retain moisture. 

 

Space new plants 5  to 8 feet apart.

 

Harvest

 

When are blackberries harvested?

 

Blackberries are typically ready to harvest in June in the South or July in the North.. 

 

Some blackberry varieties have thorny branches and precautions need to be taken when picking these varieties. 

 

Pick fruit once it is full in size, plump, firm, and fully black in color, leaving the central plug of the fruit in place to increase shelf life.  

 

Prevent bruising and damage by not overpacking containers.

 

Storage  

 

How are blackberries stored?

 

After picking, berries are stored in the refrigerator or cool place where temperatures are between 33F and 38F. Avoid direct sunlight. 

 

Avoid washing berries unless they are ready to be eaten or placed in the freezer. Washing reduces their shelf life. 

 

Blackberries will keep in the fridge for up to a week. 

 

Blackberries can be frozen for over a year after washing and sealing in an airtight bag.. 

 

Fun Facts 

 

What are common varieties of blackberries?

 

There are more than 40 varieties of blackberries. Three main types of blackberry plants are Erect, Trailing vines, and Semi-erect plants.

 

Common varieties within these types include:

Early: Brazos, Cherokee, and Comanche varieties

Late: Black Satin, Smoothstem, and Thornfree

Hybrid: Boysenberry, Loganberry, and Marionberry

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What are common uses for blackberries?

 

Blackberries are eaten raw and used in a variety of salads, juices, smoothies, soups, pies, and desserts. 

 

They are canned in jams, jellies, or freeze dried. 

 

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  • How do blackberries grow        

  • When are blackberries harvested?

  • How are blackberries propagated?

  • How are blackberries stored?

  • Blackberry health benefits

  • blackberry uses

  • blackberry farming

  • blackberry producers

  • blackberry antioxidants

  • wild blackberries

  • blackberry bush

  • blackberry history

  • blackberry education

  • blackberry vitamin c

  • blackberry tea

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