How to Grow Blackberry

Updated June 2026

A cool-season fruit for the home garden across the warmer US.

What it looks like as it grows

Blackberry is a rewarding cool-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Blackberry is a cool-season crop. In the South and Southwest, plant in fall through winter when the heat eases. See your region on the blackberry page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Kiowa, Thorny, very large fruit (Southern nurseries)
• Natchez, Thornless, early, productive (Southern nurseries)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 4.9 ft between plants.
• Sowing: sow about 4 in deep.
• Water: roughly 2.1 gal per plant every 3 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Birds, Spider mite and Aphids. In humid regions, Botrytis, Rust, Anthracnose and Root rot can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Blackberry is usually ready to harvest within roughly 12 months once established. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant blackberry where you garden.

See also: Blackberry in the plant library →

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