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
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 | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Soil pH
5.5 – 7
Hardiness Zones
Zone 5a – 10b
Growing Tips
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
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
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.