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You can plant thornless blackberry plants successfully by choosing the right variety, picking a sunny spot, and giving them a sturdy trellis to climb.
Thornless blackberry plants take the pain out of harvesting because you can reach in and grab the berries without worrying about scratches.
If you’ve ever wanted homegrown blackberries but hated the thorns, planting thornless blackberry plants is the answer you’ve been looking for.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to plant thornless blackberry plants, from selecting a variety to caring for them after they’re in the ground.
Let’s dig in.
How to Plant Thornless Blackberry Plants
Planting thornless blackberry plants isn’t complicated once you understand what they need.
These plants are perennials, so getting them off to a strong start means you’ll enjoy berries for years to come.
Here’s what matters most when you plant thornless blackberry plants.
1. Choose the Right Variety
Before you plant thornless blackberry plants, pick a type that fits your climate.
Erect varieties like ‘Apache’ and ‘Navaho’ stand up on their own and do well in warmer regions.
Trailing types like ‘Black Satin’ need a trellis but produce heavy crops.
Semi-erect varieties such as ‘Chester’ fall somewhere in between and are very cold-hardy.
If you plant thornless blackberry plants suited to your growing zone, you’ll save yourself a lot of headaches later.
2. Pick the Perfect Spot
When you plant thornless blackberry plants, full sun is best.
They need at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day for good fruit production.
Good drainage matters too, because soggy roots will rot quickly.
Avoid spots where tomatoes, peppers, or potatoes grew recently, since these can share soil-borne diseases.
A gentle slope or raised bed is ideal when you plant thornless blackberry plants in heavy clay soil.
3. Prepare the Soil
Thornless blackberry plants love slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Mix in plenty of compost or aged manure a few weeks before planting.
This improves drainage and gives your plants a nutrient boost.
If your soil is poor, work in a balanced fertilizer at planting time.
Taking time to prep the soil pays off big when you plant thornless blackberry plants.
When and How to Plant Thornless Blackberry Plants
Timing and technique both matter when you plant thornless blackberry plants.
Get these two right and your plants will settle in fast.
1. Plant in Early Spring or Late Fall
The best time to plant thornless blackberry plants is early spring, once the soil is workable.
In mild climates, late fall also works well because roots establish before winter.
Avoid planting in the heat of summer, when transplants struggle to settle in.
2. Space Them Properly
Space erect varieties about three feet apart in rows four to eight feet apart.
Trailing types need more room, so give them six to eight feet between plants.
Good airflow helps prevent disease when you plant thornless blackberry plants close together.
3. Dig and Set the Roots
Dig a hole wide enough to spread the roots comfortably.
Set the plant so the crown sits just at or slightly below soil level.
Backfill with soil, firm it gently, and water deeply.
Add a layer of mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down.
Caring for Thornless Blackberry Plants After Planting
Once you plant thornless blackberry plants, the real work begins.
A little care in the first year sets them up for years of heavy harvests.
1. Water Consistently
Thornless blackberry plants need about one to two inches of water per week.
Keep the soil moist but never waterlogged.
Drip irrigation is great because it keeps foliage dry and reduces disease.
2. Set Up a Trellis
Even erect varieties benefit from support, especially when loaded with fruit.
A simple T-trellis with wires works well for most thornless blackberry plants.
Tie canes loosely to the wires as they grow.
3. Prune and Feed
Prune out old canes after they fruit, since blackberries produce on second-year wood.
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced blend.
This keeps your thornless blackberry plants productive year after year.
So, How Do You Plant Thornless Blackberry Plants?
You plant thornless blackberry plants by choosing the right variety, picking a sunny spot with good drainage, and getting them in the ground at the right time.
The whole process is easier than most people expect.
With steady water, a sturdy trellis, and regular pruning, your thornless blackberry plants will reward you with sweet berries and zero scratches.
Hope this post has helped you learn how to plant thornless blackberry plants and given you the confidence to get started.