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To plant bare root blackberry bushes, you need to get them in the ground while they’re still dormant, usually in late winter or early spring.
Bare root blackberry bushes are exactly what they sound like — plants sold without soil around their roots, just the roots themselves.
Because they’re dormant when they arrive, they suffer less shock and establish faster than potted plants.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to plant bare root blackberry bushes step by step, from choosing the right spot to giving them the best start possible.
Let’s dig in.
Why Plant Bare Root Blackberry Bushes
Planting bare root blackberry bushes comes with real advantages over container-grown plants.
Here’s why so many gardeners go this route.
1. They’re Cheaper and Easier to Ship
Bare root blackberry bushes cost less than potted ones because you’re not paying for soil or heavy containers.
They also ship easily through the mail, so you can order specific varieties from growers anywhere.
2. They Establish Quickly
Because bare root blackberry bushes go into the ground while dormant, they wake up right where they’ll live.
That means no transplant shock from moving out of a nursery pot.
The roots stretch out into native soil immediately.
3. You Get a Wider Variety Choice
Many specialty blackberry cultivars are sold only as bare root plants.
So if you want thornless types or specific flavor profiles, bare root is often the only way to get them.
When and Where to Plant Bare Root Blackberry Bushes
Timing and location matter just as much as the planting itself.
Get these two right and your bare root blackberry bushes will thrive.
1. Plant in Late Winter or Early Spring
The best time to plant bare root blackberry bushes is while they’re still dormant.
In most regions, that means late winter through early spring, once the ground is workable but before new growth starts.
If you plant too late and the buds break, the plant struggles to support new leaves with roots that haven’t settled yet.
2. Choose Full Sun and Good Drainage
Blackberries need at least six to eight hours of direct sun.
They also hate soggy feet, so pick a spot with well-draining soil.
If your soil holds water, amend it with compost or plant on a raised mound.
3. Prep the Soil Before Planting
Blackberries prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0.
Work in plenty of organic matter a few weeks before planting your bare root blackberry bushes.
This improves drainage and gives the roots something soft to grow into.
How to Plant Bare Root Blackberry Bushes Step by Step
Now for the main event — getting those roots in the ground.
Follow these steps and your bare root blackberry bushes will settle in nicely.
1. Soak the Roots Before Planting
Before you plant bare root blackberry bushes, soak the roots in water for one to two hours.
This rehydrates them after shipping and gives them a head start.
Don’t soak longer than a few hours, though, or the roots can rot.
2. Dig a Hole Wide Enough for the Roots
Dig a hole that’s wide enough to spread the roots out comfortably.
Depth matters too — the crown, where the roots meet the stem, should sit just at or slightly below soil level.
Planting too deep is a common mistake that kills bare root blackberry bushes.
3. Spread the Roots and Backfill
Set the plant in the hole and fan the roots out in all directions.
Backfill with soil, pressing gently to remove air pockets as you go.
Air pockets dry out roots, so take your time here.
4. Water Deeply Right After Planting
Give your bare root blackberry bushes a thorough soaking right after planting.
This settles the soil around the roots and gets moisture where it’s needed.
Keep the soil consistently moist, not soggy, for the first few weeks.
5. Mulch and Space Properly
Spread two to three inches of mulch around your blackberry bushes to hold moisture and block weeds.
Space plants three to five feet apart in rows, with eight to ten feet between rows.
Good airflow keeps disease away from your bare root blackberry bushes.
Caring for Bare Root Blackberry Bushes After Planting
The first season is all about helping roots and canes get established.
Here’s what to focus on.
1. Water Regularly but Don’t Overdo It
Blackberry bushes need about one to two inches of water per week.
Water deeply once or twice a week rather than a light sprinkle every day.
Deep watering pushes roots downward, making plants tougher.
2. Prune the Canes After Planting
Cut the canes back to about six inches tall when you plant bare root blackberry bushes.
This seems harsh, but it directs energy into root growth instead of top growth.
New, stronger canes will come up from the crown.
3. Add Support for Your Blackberry Bushes
Most blackberry varieties need a trellis or wire system.
Set it up at planting time so you don’t disturb roots later.
Trained canes get better sun and airflow, which means more berries.
So, How Do You Plant Bare Root Blackberry Bushes?
You plant bare root blackberry bushes by soaking the roots, digging a wide hole, spreading the roots out, and backfilling so the crown sits at soil level.
Plant them in late winter or early spring while dormant, in full sun with well-draining soil.
Water deeply, mulch well, and cut the canes back after planting to push energy into the roots.
Follow these steps and your bare root blackberry bushes will reward you with baskets of berries for years to come.