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How to Grow Blackberry

Reviewed by MyLocalPlanting Editorial Team Updated Sources
Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus)

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Supplies You'll Need

Large Garden Pot Fruit Tree Fertilizer Garden Netting Watering Can

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Plant Overview

Scientific Name Rubus fruticosus
Category fruit
Days to Maturity 365 days
Starting Method Direct Sow

Growing Requirements

Sun

Full Sun

Water

Regular

Germination

7-14 days

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Companion Planting Guide for Blackberry

Discover which plants grow well with Blackberry and which to keep at a distance for a healthier garden →

Common Blackberry Varieties

Popular cultivars to look for at your local nursery or seed supplier.

Triple Crown

thornless 60d

Thornless semi-erect variety with very large, sweet berries and outstanding flavor.

Chester

thornless

Thornless trailing variety with good cold hardiness and excellent disease resistance.

Navaho

thornless

Upright thornless variety with small but intensely sweet berries; no trellising needed.

Prime-Ark Freedom

primocane

First thornless primocane-fruiting blackberry, producing in summer and fall.

Days-to-maturity figures are approximate and vary by climate and growing conditions.

Seed Saving Guide

Vegetative propagation

Propagate vegetatively, not by seed

Propagate by root cuttings or tip layering — seeds rarely grow true to variety.

Tip layering in late summer is the easiest method: bend a long cane to the ground, bury the tip, and sever once rooted.

Blackberry Planting Calendar by Zone

Zone 1a Zone 1b Zone 2a Zone 2b Zone 3a Zone 3b Zone 4a Zone 4b Zone 5a Zone 5b Zone 6a Zone 6b Zone 7a Zone 7b Zone 8a Zone 8b Zone 9a Zone 9b Zone 10a Zone 10b Zone 11a Zone 11b Zone 12a Zone 12b Zone 13a

Blackberry Planting Calendar by State

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Blackberry? +

Sow Blackberry seeds directly in the garden 4 weeks before your last frost date. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your location.

How long does Blackberry take to grow? +

Blackberry typically matures in about 365 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.

Should I start Blackberry indoors or direct sow? +

Blackberry does best when direct sown outdoors. Plant seeds directly in the garden at the appropriate time based on your local frost dates.

How much sun does Blackberry need? +

Blackberry requires full sun to thrive.

How much water does Blackberry need? +

Blackberry has regular water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.

Can you save seeds from Blackberry? +

Blackberry is not typically propagated by seed. Propagate by root cuttings or tip layering — seeds rarely grow true to variety. Tip layering in late summer is the easiest method: bend a long cane to the ground, bury the tip, and sever once rooted.

About Blackberry

Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) is a popular garden fruit. It can be directly sown outdoors 4 weeks before your last frost date.

Expect your Blackberry to be ready for harvest in approximately 365 days from planting.

Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.