If you are looking to plant an edible that is low maintaince and heavy producing, blackberry plants are a great option. Blackberries are available in thorned and thornless varieties as well as hybrids. Willis Orchard Company offers eight blackberry varieties of these berry plants for sale, as well as three hybrids, thorny and thornless varieties. Blackberries are a member of the Rubus family along with raspberries. Some blackberry varities grow on erect canes and do not need any support while others are semi-erect and will need trellising.
Blackberries do best when planted in sandy, well-drained soil with some organic matter added. Soil pH should be between 5.5–7. Full sun, minimal 8 hours, is best suited for blackberries. However, they can tolerate some shade. If they are planted in full shade, they will not produce any fruit. Make sure water is not puddling or standing in the area that you plant as it can be detrimental to the plants. Mulching is highly recommend to help with weed and moisture control.
Blackberries are loaded with health benefits. They contain gallic acid (antiviral), rutin (antibacterial) and ellagic acid (anti-carcinogenic) as well as high levels of antioxidants. Potassium, calcium, folic acid, magnesium, phosphorus and protein are all packed into this berry along with vitamins A, E and K. Take all these nutrients into consideration and factor in 62 calories, over 7 grams of fiber and around 8 grams of total sugar in a one cup serving and blackberries carry quite a punch for your overall health.
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If well maintained, a single blackberry plant can produce for 15-20 years. Keep in mind, blackberries are vigerous growers and will form thickets if not maintained. First year canes can be left unpruned, but second year and older canes need to be pruned back to 40-48 inches. Prune all lateral branches back to 12-18 inches and canes should be spaced a minimal 6 inches apart.
Blackberries are a native American fruit that grows as a small flowering shrub or a trailing vine. Huge commercial operations are predominately in the mid-west, however, you-pick blackberry farms are very popular from the east coast to the west coast. Blackberries are easy to grow and have a productive life span of 15 to 20 years.
Willis Orchard Company offers both traditional thorny and thornless blackberry plants, as well as hybrid varieties--both are excellent for fresh eating, jams, jellies, or cobblers.