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.
How to Start Thornless Blackberries
Starting thornless blackberries is easier than you might think, and it all begins with choosing the right planting method for your space.
If you’ve been wondering how to start thornless blackberries in your own backyard, you’re in for a treat because these sweet, juicy berries reward you with a bountiful harvest without the painful thorns.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a total beginner, learning how to start thornless blackberries can be one of the most satisfying gardening projects you’ll ever take on.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to start thornless blackberries, from picking the right spot to planting your first canes and keeping them healthy.
Let’s dig in.
How to Start Thornless Blackberries: The Basics
How to start thornless blackberries really comes down to picking the right variety, location, and timing.
Here’s what you need to know before you plant anything.
1. Choose the Right Thornless Variety
The first step in how to start thornless blackberries is selecting a variety that thrives in your climate.
Popular thornless blackberry varieties include ‘Navaho,’ ‘Apache,’ ‘Arapaho,’ and ‘Triple Crown.’
‘Navaho’ is an erect variety that doesn’t need much trellising, while ‘Triple Crown’ is a semi-erect type that produces heavy yields.
If you live in a warmer region, ‘Apache’ handles the heat well.
Choosing the right thornless blackberry variety sets you up for success from day one.
2. Pick the Perfect Planting Spot
When learning how to start thornless blackberries, sunlight is your best friend.
These plants need at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day to produce sweet, abundant fruit.
Find a spot with well-draining soil, because thornless blackberries hate sitting in soggy ground.
If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost or plant in a raised bed.
Good air circulation also helps prevent disease, so avoid crowding them against walls or fences.
3. Plant at the Right Time
The best time to start thornless blackberries is in early spring or late fall when the plant is dormant.
Planting during dormancy gives the roots time to establish before the growing season kicks in.
If you’re starting with bare-root canes, soak them for a few hours before planting.
Space your thornless blackberry plants about three to four feet apart in rows that are six to eight feet apart.
This spacing keeps airflow moving and makes harvesting much easier.
Planting and Caring for Thornless Blackberries
Once you know how to start thornless blackberries, the next step is giving them the care they need to flourish.
Here’s how to keep your plants happy and productive.
1. Plant Them Properly
Dig a hole that’s wide enough to spread the roots comfortably.
Set the plant so the crown sits just at or slightly below the soil line.
Backfill with soil, firm it gently, and water thoroughly to settle the roots.
Adding a layer of mulch around the base helps retain moisture and keeps weeds down.
2. Water Consistently
Thornless blackberries need about one to two inches of water per week.
Consistent moisture is key, especially during flowering and fruiting.
Drip irrigation is ideal because it keeps the foliage dry and reduces disease risk.
Just don’t overwater, as soggy roots can lead to rot.
3. Fertilize and Prune
Feed your thornless blackberries in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Avoid too much nitrogen, which encourages leafy growth over fruit.
Pruning is essential for healthy thornless blackberries.
After fruiting, cut back the canes that produced berries, since they won’t fruit again.
This keeps your plants tidy and encourages fresh growth for next season.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Starting Thornless Blackberries
Even with the best intentions, a few missteps can slow down your thornless blackberries.
Here’s what to watch out for.
1. Planting in Shade
Thornless blackberries planted in shade produce weak growth and little fruit.
Always prioritize sunlight when choosing where to start thornless blackberries.
2. Skipping Trellising
Even thornless varieties benefit from a simple trellis or support system.
Semi-erect types especially need help staying upright when loaded with fruit.
A basic T-trellis with wires works great for most home gardens.
3. Neglecting Pruning
Skipping pruning leads to tangled canes and reduced harvests.
Thornless blackberries fruit on second-year canes, so removing old ones keeps production high.
So, How to Start Thornless Blackberries?
Starting thornless blackberries comes down to choosing the right variety, planting in full sun with well-draining soil, and giving them consistent water and annual pruning.
When you know how to start thornless blackberries the right way, you’ll enjoy sweet, seedless-feeling berries without ever worrying about scratches.
These plants are surprisingly low-maintenance once established, and they reward you with fruit for years.
So grab a few canes, pick a sunny spot, and get your thornless blackberries growing this season.