Do Blackberries Grow In Winter

Blackberries do not grow in winter in most climates.
 
However, that doesn’t mean the plants disappear completely.
 
If you’ve been wondering “do blackberries grow in winter,” the short answer is no—blackberries are a warm-season fruit.
 
The plants go dormant when temperatures drop, conserving energy until spring returns.
 
In this post, we’ll explore why blackberries don’t grow in winter, what happens to the plants during cold months, and what you can do if you want blackberries during the off-season.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why Blackberries Don’t Grow in Winter

Blackberries don’t grow in winter because the plants enter a dormant phase when cold weather arrives.
 
Here’s why that happens:
 

1. Blackberries Are Perennial Plants

Blackberries are perennials, meaning they live for more than two years.
 
But they don’t actively produce fruit year-round.
 
Instead, they follow a seasonal cycle.
 
They flower and fruit during warm months, then go dormant in winter.
 
This dormancy is how blackberry plants survive freezing temperatures.
 

2. Cold Temperatures Trigger Dormancy

When temperatures drop below freezing, blackberry plants stop growing.
 
Their metabolism slows down dramatically.
 
The canes (the stems that produce fruit) become woody and tough.
 
Leaves may turn brown and fall off, depending on the variety.
 
This is completely normal.
 
The plant isn’t dead—it’s just resting.
 

3. No Pollinators, No Fruit

Even if blackberry plants tried to flower in winter, they wouldn’t get pollinated.
 
Bees and other pollinators are inactive during cold months.
 
Without pollination, flowers can’t turn into fruit.
 
So even in mild winters where blackberry plants might show some green growth, you won’t see actual blackberries forming.
 

What Happens to Blackberry Plants in Winter

Blackberry plants don’t just vanish when winter hits.
 
They go through specific changes to survive the cold.
 
Here’s what’s happening:
 

1. Canes Go Dormant

The canes stop growing and harden off.
 
This hardening protects them from frost damage.
 
In severe cold, some canes may die back completely.
 
But the roots remain alive underground, waiting for spring.
 

2. Roots Stay Active Underground

While the above-ground parts look dead, the roots are still doing their thing.
 
They store energy reserves to fuel new growth when temperatures rise.
 
This is why blackberries come back year after year.
 

3. Some Varieties Handle Cold Better

Not all blackberries respond to winter the same way.
 
Varieties like ‘Illini Hardy’ can tolerate temperatures down to -20°F.
 
Others, like ‘Marionberry,’ struggle in colder zones.
 
If you live in a region with harsh winters, choosing a cold-hardy variety matters.
 

Can You Get Blackberries in Winter?

You can’t grow blackberries in winter outdoors in most climates, but you can still enjoy them.
 
Here’s how:
 

1. Buy Frozen or Fresh from Warmer Regions

Grocery stores often stock blackberries year-round.
 
These come from places like Mexico, Chile, or California where winters are mild.
 
Frozen blackberries are also a great option—they’re picked at peak ripeness and flash-frozen.
 

2. Grow Blackberries in a Greenhouse

If you have a heated greenhouse, you can grow blackberries in winter.
 
But this requires significant effort and energy.
 
You’ll need to maintain warm temperatures and provide enough light.
 
For most home gardeners, it’s not worth the hassle.
 

3. Plant in Containers and Move Indoors

Some gardeners grow blackberries in pots and move them inside during winter.
 
But even indoors, the plants will go dormant unless you provide artificial heat and light.
 
Without those conditions, they won’t produce fruit.
 

When Do Blackberries Actually Grow?

Blackberries grow during spring and summer.
 
Here’s a quick breakdown:
 

1. Spring: New Growth Emerges

As temperatures warm, blackberry plants break dormancy.
 
New canes emerge from the roots.
 
Leaves unfurl, and the plant starts photosynthesizing again.
 

2. Summer: Flowers and Fruit

By early summer, blackberry plants produce flowers.
 
Bees pollinate them, and soon after, berries start forming.
 
Depending on the variety, harvest happens from June through August.
 

3. Fall: Some Varieties Produce a Second Crop

Some blackberry varieties, like ‘Prime-Ark,’ are primocane-fruiting.
 
That means they produce fruit on first-year canes in late summer or early fall.
 
But even these stop producing once winter arrives.
 

So, Do Blackberries Grow in Winter?

Blackberries do not grow in winter in most climates.
 
The plants go dormant, and without warm temperatures and pollinators, fruit can’t form.
 
If you want blackberries during winter, you’ll need to buy them from stores or grow them in a controlled greenhouse environment.
 
Otherwise, you’ll have to wait until spring and summer when blackberry plants wake up and start producing again.
 
Hope this post has helped you understand why blackberries don’t grow in winter and what you can do instead.