Why Do My Blackberries Have White Spots

Your blackberries have white spots because of a fungal infection, most commonly white drupelet disorder or powdery mildew.
 
These white spots on blackberries can also show up from sunscald, stink bug damage, or a condition called albinism in the fruit.
 
It’s frustrating when you’ve waited all season for fresh berries, only to find white spots on your blackberries instead of that deep, glossy black.
 
In this post, we’ll unpack why your blackberries have white spots, what causes each type, and how to deal with them.
 

Why Do My Blackberries Have White Spots?

Blackberries have white spots for several reasons, and the most common culprit is a fungal disease that attacks the individual drupelets that make up each berry.
 
When blackberries have white spots, the affected drupelets stop producing the pigments that give ripe berries their color.
 
Let’s look at the main reasons why blackberries have white spots so you can figure out what’s happening in your garden.
 

1. White Drupelet Disorder

White drupelet disorder is the number one reason why blackberries have white spots.
 
This condition happens when individual drupelets on the berry fail to darken, leaving tan or white patches scattered across the fruit.
 
It’s usually triggered by sudden heat spikes or intense ultraviolet exposure during ripening.
 
When blackberries have white spots from this disorder, the berries are still safe to eat, just less pretty.
 

2. Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew is another fungal issue that causes white spots on blackberries.
 
Unlike white drupelet disorder, powdery mildew shows up as a dusty white coating on leaves, stems, and sometimes the berries themselves.
 
If your blackberries have white spots that look fuzzy or powdery, this is likely the cause.
 
Poor air circulation and damp conditions make this problem worse, so blackberries planted too close together often develop white spots from mildew.
 

3. Sunscald Damage

Sunscald can also make blackberries have white spots when the fruit gets scorched by direct sunlight.
 
The side of the berry facing the sun can turn pale, white, or even grayish as the tissue gets damaged.
 
Blackberries have white spots from sunscald more often during heat waves or when plants lose leaves that normally shade the fruit.
 

4. Stink Bug Damage

Stink bugs feed by piercing the berry and sucking out juices, which can leave white or pale spots on blackberries.
 
These damaged drupelets often look shriveled or sunken compared to the healthy ones around them.
 
If your blackberries have white spots and you notice stink bugs nearby, this pest is likely the reason.
 

5. Albinism in Blackberries

Occasionally, blackberries have white spots because of a genetic condition called albinism.
 
In this case, entire drupelets or even whole berries stay white or pale pink because they lack normal pigment production.
 
This is less common, but it does explain why some blackberries have white spots that never darken no matter how long they stay on the vine.
 

What to Do When Blackberries Have White Spots

When you find white spots on blackberries, the right response depends on what’s causing them.
 
Here’s how to handle the situation based on each cause.
 

1. For White Drupelet Disorder

If your blackberries have white spots from white drupelet disorder, there’s not much you can do after the fact.
 
Focus on prevention next season by choosing heat-tolerant varieties and providing shade cloth during hot spells.
 
Blackberries have white spots from this disorder less often when plants are kept well-watered and mulched.
 

2. For Powdery Mildew

When blackberries have white spots from powdery mildew, prune to improve airflow and remove infected leaves.
 
Apply a fungicide labeled for blackberries, or try a homemade mix of baking soda and water.
 
Water at the base of the plant instead of overhead so the leaves stay dry.
 

3. For Sunscald and Stink Bugs

If blackberries have white spots from sunscald, don’t prune away all the leaves that shade the fruit.
 
For stink bugs, handpick them off plants or use row covers to keep them away from your blackberries.
 

Are Blackberries With White Spots Safe to Eat?

Blackberries with white spots are usually safe to eat when the cause is white drupelet disorder, sunscald, or albinism.
 
However, if blackberries have white spots from powdery mildew, you’ll want to toss the affected berries since the fungus affects taste and texture.
 
Always inspect your blackberries for white spots along with any signs of mold, soft spots, or off smells.
 
When in doubt, compost them and enjoy the clean ones.
 

So, Why Do My Blackberries Have White Spots?

Blackberries have white spots because of fungal infections, sun damage, pest feeding, or genetic quirks.
 
The most common reason blackberries have white spots is white drupelet disorder, which is harmless but unsightly.
 
Now that you know why your blackberries have white spots, you can decide whether to eat them, treat the plant, or prevent the issue next season.
 
Happy harvesting.