How To Plant Thornless Blackberry Plants

To plant thornless blackberry plants, you need to pick the right spot with full sun and well-drained soil.
 
The good news is thornless blackberry plants are just as easy to grow as the thorny kind, and you won’t have to worry about scratched-up arms at harvest time.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to plant thornless blackberry plants so they thrive from day one, you’re in the right place.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through when to plant thornless blackberry plants, how to prepare the soil, and the simple steps to get them in the ground the right way.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

How to Plant Thornless Blackberry Plants Step by Step

Planting thornless blackberry plants comes down to timing, soil prep, and giving the roots room to settle in.
 
Here’s how to do it right.
 

1. Choose the Right Time of Year

The best time to plant thornless blackberry plants is in early spring or late fall, when the soil is cool but not frozen.
 
Spring planting gives the roots a full season to establish before winter.
 
Fall planting works well too in milder climates because the roots keep growing while the tops stay dormant.
 
Avoid planting thornless blackberry plants in the middle of summer when heat stress can stunt them.
 

2. Pick a Sunny Spot With Good Drainage

Thornless blackberry plants need at least six to eight hours of direct sun each day.
 
They also hate soggy roots, so choose a spot where water drains quickly after rain.
 
If your soil holds water like a sponge, plant thornless blackberry plants in raised beds or mounds to keep the crown above the waterline.
 

3. Prepare the Soil Before You Plant

Thornless blackberry plants prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
 
Mix in compost or aged manure a few weeks before planting to loosen the soil and feed it.
 
You can also test your soil first so you know whether to add lime or sulfur.
 
Healthy soil means your thornless blackberry plants get off to a strong start.
 

4. Dig the Hole and Set the Roots

Dig a hole wide enough to spread the roots but no deeper than they were growing before.
 
Set the plant so the crown sits right at or just below the soil line.
 
Backfill with soil, press it down gently, and water thoroughly to settle the roots.
 
This step is where most people go wrong with thornless blackberry plants, so take your time.
 

5. Space Plants Properly

Space thornless blackberry plants about three to four feet apart in rows that are six to eight feet apart.
 
Good airflow keeps disease down and makes harvesting easier.
 
If you’re growing thornless blackberry plants in containers, use a pot at least 18 inches wide.
 

6. Water and Mulch Right After Planting

Give your thornless blackberry plants a deep watering right after planting, then mulch with straw or wood chips.
 
Mulch holds moisture, keeps weeds down, and keeps the roots cool.
 
Just keep the mulch a couple of inches away from the crown so it doesn’t rot.
 

Caring for Thornless Blackberry Plants After Planting

Once thornless blackberry plants are in the ground, a little care goes a long way.
 
Here’s what keeps them productive.
 

1. Water Deeply but Not Too Often

Thornless blackberry plants need about one to two inches of water per week.
 
Deep watering encourages strong roots, while light daily sprinkling leads to weak ones.
 

2. Fertilize in Early Spring

Feed thornless blackberry plants with a balanced fertilizer when new growth starts.
 
Avoid overfeeding, which pushes leafy growth at the expense of fruit.
 

3. Prune for Health and Yield

Prune thornless blackberry plants after harvest to remove old canes and make room for new ones.
 
This keeps your patch tidy and boosts next year’s berries.
 

4. Train Them on a Trellis

Thornless blackberry plants still grow long canes, so give them a trellis or wire system.
 
Trained canes are easier to pick and less likely to flop into the mud.
 

5. Watch for Pests and Disease

Thornless blackberry plants are tough, but watch for aphids, spider mites, and cane borers.
 
Good spacing and airflow head off most problems before they start.
 

So, How Do You Plant Thornless Blackberry Plants?

To plant thornless blackberry plants, choose a sunny, well-drained spot, prep the soil with compost, and set the roots at the right depth.
 
Pick early spring or late fall, space them properly, and water deeply after planting.
 
With a little mulch, a trellis, and yearly pruning, your thornless blackberry plants will reward you with buckets of sweet berries for years to come.
 
Happy planting.