Blackberry |
Rubus trivialis |
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Blackberries are native to North America but have adjusted well to many parts of the world. I think we all have memories of picking wild blackberries on the side of the road when we were kids. Coming away with very red mouths and hands and a few prickles to dig out later.
Landscape Value
Train the plants on trellis to create an edible screen, beside a deck or on a fence. Or on a pillar rose frame as a focal point in the garden or container. Colourful autumn foliage.
Nutritional Value
Blackberries are rich in vitamin C and dietary fibre. They also contain calcium, phosphorus and potassium.
How to Eat
Straight from the plant, chill for later use in desserts. Berries are idea for jams and jellies, juice or wine. There should be no wastage.
Expected Yield
6 plants will provide ample fruit for a family of four/five.
Generic Fruiting Time
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
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Growing
Sun
Provide an easterly aspect, shaded from the afternoon sun.
Wind
Expose to the cooler southerly winds but protect from hot dry winds.
Climate
Low chill requirement so will grow in the cooler highland areas of New South Wales, the very south of Western Australia, South Australia and almost all of Victoria and Tasmania. Prefer planting open to the East and North but shaded to the West.
Soil
Any well drained site with good moisture content and high in organic matter.
Fertiliser
Apply a general NPK fertiliser early spring and mulch with manure or compost.
Pruning
In winter when the plant is dormant gather up the canes and train along the trellis. Cut out the weak, fruited and old canes. Blackberries have a sprawling habit so keep canes off the ground as they will root themselves at a node.
Pests
Apply several copper sprays in winter for fungal disease control. Planted in an open space with free air flow will help keep diseases at bay. DO NOT spray within seven days of harvest.
Hardiness
Hardy to -6°C
Special Conditions
Bird netting may be required to keep the birds off. Extra water at fruiting time will improve fruit quality, but apply to the base of the plant to avoid wetting the fruit.