When planting thornless blackberries, it is important to give them enough space to thrive and grow properly. To ensure optimal sun exposure and airflow to the canes, as well as allow room for spreading, it is recommended to plant the blackberry plants at least three feet apart.
The spacing of three feet not only allows each plant to receive sufficient sunlight but also prevents overcrowding, which can lead to poor air circulation and increased risk of diseases. Adequate spacing also helps in reducing competition for nutrients and water among the plants.
Planting the blackberry plants at a proper distance apart also facilitates easier maintenance and harvesting. It allows you to move around the plants comfortably and provides access to the canes for pruning, fertilizing, and other necessary care tasks.
When it comes to pruning thornless blackberries, it can indeed be intimidating, especially if you are concerned about accidentally removing canes that will be needed for next year’s growth. However, with proper guidance and understanding, it becomes much less daunting.
Firstly, it’s important to note that blackberries produce two types of canes – primocanes and floricanes. Primocanes are the first-year canes that grow vigorously but do not produce fruit. Floricanes, on the other hand, are the second-year canes that bear fruit.
To ensure a good harvest of blackberries, it is crucial to prune the canes correctly. In late winter or early spring, when the plants are dormant, remove the weak and damaged canes, as well as any canes that are overcrowding or rubbing against each other.
Leave the healthy and vigorous canes, as these will bear fruit in the coming season. Typically, it is recommended to keep around six to eight of the strongest canes per plant. However, this number may vary depending on the specific variety of blackberry and its growth habit.
To avoid confusion and accidental removal of the wrong canes, it can be helpful to mark the canes that have fruited in the previous season. This way, you can easily identify the floricanes and ensure their preservation while pruning.
In addition to proper spacing and pruning, providing adequate support for thornless blackberries is also important. These plants can grow tall and have trailing canes, so using trellises, fences, or other support structures can help keep them upright and prevent them from sprawling on the ground.
Spacing thornless blackberries at least three feet apart allows for adequate sun exposure, airflow, and room to spread. Pruning can be intimidating, but with proper knowledge and attention to detail, it becomes less daunting. By removing weak and damaged canes while preserving the healthy ones, you can ensure a bountiful harvest of delicious blackberries. Remember to provide proper support for these plants to keep them upright and well-maintained throughout the growing season.
