This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Blackberries are best planted about 3 to 5 feet apart within a row, with 8 to 12 feet between rows if you’re growing them in a traditional hedgerow setup.
If you’re wondering how far apart to plant blackberries, that spacing gives each cane enough room to grow, spread, and produce fruit without crowding its neighbors.
Get this part right, and your blackberry patch will reward you for years with heavy harvests and healthy canes.
In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how far apart to plant blackberries, why spacing matters so much, and how to adjust it for the type of blackberries you’re growing.
Let’s dig in.
How Far Apart to Plant Blackberries
How far apart you plant blackberries depends on a few key things, like the variety you’re growing and how you plan to train the canes.
But the golden rule for most home gardeners is 3 to 5 feet between plants in a row.
Here’s why that range works so well.
1. It Gives Canes Room to Spread
Blackberry canes love to sprawl, and if you plant them too close together, they’ll turn into a tangled mess fast.
When you space blackberries 3 to 5 feet apart, each plant has enough room for its canes to arch, grow, and get good airflow.
Good airflow is a big deal because it helps prevent fungal diseases like cane blight.
2. It Makes Harvesting Easier
Planting blackberries too close together makes picking a nightmare.
The thorns snag on everything, and you can’t reach the fruit in the middle of the row.
Give each blackberry plant proper spacing, and you’ll be able to walk between them, reach every berry, and actually enjoy harvest time.
3. It Keeps Roots From Competing
Blackberry roots spread out underground, and if you plant them too close, the roots fight over water and nutrients.
That competition weakens the plants and cuts down on fruit production.
Spacing blackberries properly keeps the root zones separate, so every plant gets its fair share of what it needs.
How Far Apart to Plant Blackberries by Type
Not all blackberries grow the same way, so the spacing can shift a bit depending on which type you’re planting.
Here’s how to think about it.
1. Erect Varieties
Erect blackberries grow upright and don’t need a trellis, which makes them a favorite for small gardens.
Plant erect blackberries about 3 to 4 feet apart in the row.
Since they stand on their own, you can also get away with slightly tighter rows, around 8 feet apart.
2. Semi-Erect and Trailing Varieties
Semi-erect and trailing blackberries need a trellis because their canes flop over and sprawl.
For these, plant blackberries about 4 to 5 feet apart, and space your rows 10 to 12 feet apart.
That extra room keeps the long canes from tangling into the next row.
3. Thornless Blackberries
Thornless blackberries, like the popular ‘Triple Crown’ or ‘Navaho,’ still need the same spacing as their thorny cousins.
Don’t crowd them just because they’re easier to handle.
Plant thornless blackberries 3 to 5 feet apart so the canes get sunlight and airflow, which is exactly what keeps them productive.
Row Spacing Matters Too
When you’re figuring out how far apart to plant blackberries, don’t forget about the space between rows.
A good rule is 8 to 12 feet between rows, depending on the variety and how you’re training them.
This row spacing gives you a clear path for picking, pruning, and spraying.
It also keeps canes from one row flopping into the next, which cuts down on disease and makes maintenance way easier.
If your space is tight, you can shrink the row spacing a little, but never squeeze the plants themselves closer than 3 feet.
Tips for Planting Blackberries the Right Way
Knowing how far apart to plant blackberries is step one, but a few extra tips will set your patch up for success.
1. Prep the Soil First
Blackberries like well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Mix in compost before planting, and make sure the spot gets full sun for the best fruit.
2. Plant at the Right Depth
Set each blackberry plant so the crown sits just below the soil line.
Plant too deep, and the crown rots; too shallow, and the roots dry out.
3. Water and Mulch
Give new blackberry plants a deep watering right after planting.
Then add a layer of mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down.
4. Trellis Trailing Types Early
If you’re growing trailing blackberries, set up your trellis at planting time.
Training canes early is way easier than wrestling with them later.
So, How Far Apart Do You Plant Blackberries?
You plant blackberries about 3 to 5 feet apart in the row, with 8 to 12 feet between rows.
That spacing gives each plant room to grow, keeps roots from competing, and makes harvesting a whole lot easier.
Adjust it slightly based on whether you’re growing erect, semi-erect, or trailing varieties.
Get the spacing right from the start, and your blackberry patch will thrive for years to come.
Happy planting.