How Far Apart To Plant Thornless Blackberry Bushes

The recommended spacing for planting thornless blackberry bushes is 3 to 5 feet apart within a row and 8 to 12 feet between rows.
 
That spacing gives each plant enough room to grow strong canes, spread its roots, and still leave you a clear path for harvesting.
 
If you’ve been wondering how far apart to plant thornless blackberry bushes, the short answer is that it depends on the variety, your trellis system, and how you plan to manage the patch.
 
In this post, we’ll break down the ideal thornless blackberry bush spacing, why it matters, and how to adjust it for different growing setups.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

How Far Apart to Plant Thornless Blackberry Bushes

How far apart you plant thornless blackberry bushes really comes down to airflow, sunlight, and root space.
 
Thornless blackberry bushes grow differently from their wild, thorny cousins, but they still need room to breathe.
 
Here’s how to think about the spacing so your thornless blackberry bushes thrive instead of compete.
 

1. In-Row Spacing of 3 to 5 Feet

When you plant thornless blackberry bushes in a row, give each one 3 to 5 feet of space.
 
Erect varieties like Apache or Navaho can sit closer to the 3-foot mark because they grow upright.
 
Trailing or semi-erect thornless blackberry bushes, like Chester or Triple Crown, need closer to 4 or 5 feet because their canes sprawl wider.
 
Crowding thornless blackberry bushes too tightly blocks airflow and invites disease, which is the last thing you want.
 

2. Between-Row Spacing of 8 to 12 Feet

Leave 8 to 12 feet between rows of thornless blackberry bushes.
 
That gap might sound huge, but you’ll thank yourself at harvest time.
 
Wide rows let sunlight reach the lower canes and give you room to walk, prune, and pick without getting snagged.
 
If you plant thornless blackberry bushes in tight rows, the shaded side produces less fruit and more mildew.
 

3. Why Thornless Blackberry Bushes Need This Much Room

Thornless blackberry bushes send up new canes every year, and those canes need space to fan out.
 
Their roots also spread underground, so planting too close causes them to fight for water and nutrients.
 
Good spacing keeps humidity low around the leaves, which helps prevent gray mold and rust.
 
And honestly, roomy thornless blackberry bushes are just easier to trellis and train.
 

Adjusting Spacing for Different Trellis Systems

Your trellis changes how far apart to plant thornless blackberry bushes.
 
Here’s how to match spacing to the setup you’re building.
 

1. T-Trellis or I-Trellis

With a T-trellis, plant thornless blackberry bushes 4 to 5 feet apart in the row.
 
The crossarms hold canes on both sides, so each bush gets its own little fan of growth.
 
Keep rows 10 to 12 feet apart so you can mow between them.
 

2. Hedgerow Planting

If you’re growing thornless blackberry bushes as a hedgerow, space them 3 feet apart and let them fill in.
 
This works best with erect varieties that stand up on their own.
 
Just stay on top of pruning, because hedgerows of thornless blackberry bushes can turn into a tangled mess fast.
 

3. Container or Raised Bed Growing

Growing thornless blackberry bushes in containers? One bush per pot, and keep pots 3 to 4 feet apart.
 
In raised beds, plant thornless blackberry bushes 3 to 4 feet apart with at least 8 feet between beds.
 
Containers dry out quickly, so that extra spacing also makes watering easier.
 

Common Spacing Mistakes to Avoid

Even when you know how far apart to plant thornless blackberry bushes, it’s easy to slip up.
 
Watch out for these mistakes so your thornless blackberry bushes get the best start.
 

1. Planting Too Close for Instant Fill

It’s tempting to squeeze thornless blackberry bushes together so the row looks full right away.
 
But within a season or two, those bushes will crowd each other and fruit quality drops.
 
Stick to the 3-to-5-foot rule even if the row looks sparse at first.
 

2. Ignoring the Variety’s Growth Habit

Not all thornless blackberry bushes grow the same way.
 
Erect types stay compact, while trailing types need more elbow room.
 
Check your variety’s mature spread before you decide how far apart to plant thornless blackberry bushes.
 

3. Forgetting About Mature Size

A mature thornless blackberry bush can spread 4 to 6 feet wide.
 
Plan your spacing around that final size, not the tiny plant you’re putting in the ground.
 
Your future self, out there picking berries, will appreciate the foresight.
 

So, How Far Apart to Plant Thornless Blackberry Bushes?

Thornless blackberry bushes should be planted 3 to 5 feet apart in a row and 8 to 12 feet between rows.
 
That spacing gives each thornless blackberry bush room for strong canes, healthy roots, and plenty of airflow.
 
Adjust slightly for your trellis, variety, and whether you’re growing in the ground or in containers.
 
Get the spacing right, and your thornless blackberry bushes will reward you with baskets of sweet fruit for years.