How to Take Care of Wild Blackberries

Wild blackberries are also known as brambles.

Wild blackberries, also known as brambles, grow on shrubs that reach heights of 48 inches with an equal growth spread at maturity. Wild blackberry shrubs produce deciduous blue-green foliage that complements small white flowers in the spring. The spiny blackberry shrubs prefer planting in sunny, well-drained soil within USDA hardiness zones 3a through 8b throughout the U.S. Wild blackberries grown within these parameters require very little care once established.

Things You'll Need

• Soil testing kit
• Lime or peat moss
• Trellis
• Elastic string
• Soaker hose
• Mulch
• Insecticidal soap

Instructions

1. Plant your wild blackberry plants in soil that has a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. A soil testing kit purchased from a plant nursery will help to determine the soil pH. If the soil test reveals a pH level below 6.0, add lime to your soil. If the pH is above 6.5, add peat moss. Add either amendment according to label instructions prior to planting.

2. Prepare holes for your wild blackberry plants that measure twice the width of their root balls. Holes that are wider than the roots of the wild blackberry plants will ensure that the roots have plenty of room to spread as the plants grow. Dig the holes at least 2 to 3 inches deep, making sure that the foliage is above the soil line after planting. Space the holes 2 to 4 feet apart, in rows at least 10 feet apart.

3. Hammer a trellis into the ground behind the wild blackberries that measures at least 4 feet in height. Tie the stems of the wild blackberries to the trellis with elastic string. Elastic string will not harm the woody stalks of the wild blackberry plants.

4. Water the wild blackberries generously after planting with a soaker hose. Supply the wild blackberry plants with at least 1 inch of water per week in lieu of rain. Maintain moist soil at a minimum depth of 1 inch at all times.

5. Spread a layer of mulch around the wild blackberry plants. Wild blackberries appreciate a 3- to 4-inch layer of straw or pine bark. Mulching will help with water retention and reduce weed growth. Mulching will also protect the roots of the wild blackberries from extreme temperatures.

Tips & Warnings

• Harvest the wild blackberries when they ripen. Morning is the best time to pick wild blackberries--the weather is cool and the wild blackberries are firm.

• Handpick pests from the wild blackberry bushes or use an insecticidal soap.

• Avoid over-watering your wild blackberries. Pools of water can cause the roots of the wild blackberry plants to rot. If you press your fingers into the soil approximately 1 inch and it feels moist, do not add more water.

References

• Dave's Garden: Bramble, Wild Blackberry
• North Carolina State University: Growing Blackberries

Resources

• Flower and Garden Tips: Growing Blackberries