How to Grow Blackberries in Texas

Texas is an ideal location to grow blackberries. Blackberries adapt well to Texas climates and grow in homes and gardens all over the state. Blackberries are in their prime during their third through eighth years of life. The vines bear fruit one year after planting, but production increases over time. A well managed blackberry bush can produce good quality blackberries for up to 15 years. Growing blackberries is easy. Just follow a few simple rules.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Garden shovel
• Gloves
• Blackberry root cutting
• Drip irrigation
• Fertilizer

1. Plant blackberries from root cuttings you take during their dormant winter season. Make sure that all root cuttings are the size of a pencil.

2. Dig a hole three inches deep in well draining sandy soil. The pH level of the soil must be between 4.5 to 7.5.

3. Lay the blackberry root cutting horizontally in the hole, and cover it with dirt. Space the separate root cuttings three feet apart. Early spring is the ideal season for starting blackberries in Texas.

4. Bury drip irrigation lines at the time of planting to ensure your new blackberry plants get plenty of water. Turn on the irrigation after planting and let it run slowly for six months, then water your blackberries once each week.

5. Apply small but frequent amounts of fertilizer high in nitrogen around the base of the plants after they bloom.

Tips & Warnings

• If the Texas soil isn't well draining, grow your blackberries in raised flower boxes.
• Blackberries thrive in warm southern climates with weekly rainfall or irrigation. Hardiness zones are 7, 8, or 9. Try not to grow blackberries in other zones to prevent plant failure.