Blackberries Planting Guide
Blackberries are vigorous bramble fruits that produce sweet-tart berries on thorny or thornless canes. They are prolific producers and relatively low-maintenance once established.
Rubus fruticosus · Fruit · Rosaceae family · 365–730 days to maturity
Get Your Personalized Blackberries Planting Dates
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Where Can You Grow Blackberries?
Blackberries Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Blackberries planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 5a | — | — | May 16 | — |
| Zone 5b | — | — | May 9 | — |
| Zone 6a | — | — | May 1 | — |
| Zone 6b | — | — | Apr 24 | — |
| Zone 7a | — | — | Apr 15 | — |
| Zone 7b | — | — | Apr 8 | — |
| Zone 8a | — | — | Mar 29 | — |
| Zone 8b | — | — | Mar 18 | — |
| Zone 9a | — | — | Feb 24 | — |
| Zone 9b | — | — | Feb 8 | — |
| Zone 10a | — | — | Jan 15 | — |
| Zone 10b | — | — | Jan 15 | — |
Why are some columns showing "—"?
Start Indoors shows "—" because Blackberries is typically direct sown outdoors rather than started indoors. It germinates quickly and doesn't transplant well.
Direct Sow shows "—" because Blackberries benefits from being started indoors first, then transplanted after the last frost.
How to Plant Blackberries
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Consistent moisture produces the best results.
🧪 Soil pH
5.5 – 7
Prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil — ideal for most garden beds.
🗺️ Hardiness Zones
Zone 5a – 10b
📅 Days to Maturity
365–730 days
Long-season crop. Start indoors in cold climates to get a head start.
👪 Plant Family
Rosaceae
Rotate with other families yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases. Don't plant in the same spot where Rosaceae family crops grew last year.
How Much Blackberries to Grow
Blackberries takes 365–730 days to mature. In most zones you'll get one harvest per season, so plant enough to last.
Companion Planting for Blackberries
✅ Good Companions
❌ Keep Away From
Check more combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Growing Tips for Blackberries
Plant bare-root canes in spring. Provide a sturdy trellis system. Prune out spent fruiting canes after harvest. New canes fruit in their second year (floricanes).
Saving Blackberries Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Sharp bypass pruners for clean cuts on fruit trees, berry bushes, and woody herbs.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Level Up Your Garden
Blackberries by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Blackberries?
Blackberries (Rubus fruticosus) takes 365 to 730 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Blackberries grow in?
Blackberries can be grown in USDA zones 5a through 10b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Blackberries need?
Growing Blackberries requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Moderate — regular watering, and soil pH of 5.5 to 7.