DIY Network

Problem Prevention Solving problems before they start From "Fresh From the Orchard" episode DFFO-102

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Erect and trailing blackberries are pruned differently. Here are some suggestions for pruning your blackberry plants.

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• For erect blackberries, the primocanes are pruned in late spring and again in the winter. In late spring when new primocanes are about 2-1/2' or 3' tall, cut several inches off all the branch tips to encourage new growth. In the winter, prune the primocanes back to 12"-14" to encourage larger berries. The floricanes should be pruned out and removed immediately after harvest.

• For trailing blackberries, no pruning is required during the growing season. After the harvest, cut off and remove the floricanes, just as you do for erect blackberries.

When pruning thorny blackberries, always wear gloves, long sleeves and long pants to avoid scratches

Harvesting

	Figure C
	Figure D

Blackberries usually mature 35 to 45 days after they bloom. As they ripen, they turn from green to red to black (figure C). Harvest them when they plump; in most cases blackberries should be picked when they have a dull black color. (Kiowa is an exception and should be picked when still glossy black.)

Berries ripen over a period of several weeks. Check the plants every other day and harvest the berries when they are at their peak of ripeness. Fully ripe berries should practically fall off in your hand. If you have to tug on a berry, it's not ripe yet (figure D).

Blackberries bruise and squash easily, so as you pick them, put them in a shallow container, and put only a few layers of berries in the container. If you put them in a deep dish and load the berries in, the bottom berries will get smashed.

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