Blackberries and their hybrid cousins—tayberries, wineberries, boysenberries, and loganberries—are vigorous plants that yield abundant fruit with proper care. Pruning and training these plants annually ensures easier management, higher productivity, and a healthier garden.
Quick Facts
- Suitable for: Blackberries, tayberries, wineberries, boysenberries, loganberries, and hybrids
- Timing: Pruning is carried out in summer/autumn (after harvest), with additional training in spring/summer.
- Difficulty: Moderate
When to Prune Blackberries and Hybrid Berries
Pruning typically occurs post-harvest in summer or autumn. New canes begin growing the following spring and summer and need to be tied to supports as they develop.
Special Case: Primocane Varieties
Primocane blackberries like ‘Reuben’ fruit on new canes within the same season. These are pruned in February, similar to autumn-fruiting raspberries.
How to Prune and Train
Blackberries and hybrids produce fruit on two-year-old canes (previous season’s growth). To simplify the process:
- Separate Canes:
- Tie new canes (this year’s growth) in a vertical bunch or along the top wire.
- Train fruiting canes horizontally along the lower three wires for easy harvesting.
- Post-Harvest Pruning:
- In autumn, cut fruited canes back to the base.
- Retrain new canes horizontally to make room for next year’s growth.
- Alternative Method:
- Tie fruiting canes in one direction and new canes in the opposite direction for better organization.
Vigorous Cultivars
- Strong growers like ‘Himalayan Giant’ can be twisted around wires or trained as fans for space-saving.
- Older cultivars may support up to 24 fruiting canes, while modern cultivars thrive with around 16 canes (eight per side).
Providing Plant Support
Proper support systems are essential for healthy and manageable blackberry and hybrid berry growth.
Post and Wire System
- Posts: Use 2.5m (8ft) tall, 75mm (3in) diameter posts driven 75cm (30in) into the ground at 5m (15ft) intervals.
- Wires: Stretch 12-gauge (3.5mm) galvanized wire at 30cm (1ft) vertical intervals between the posts.
- Planting: Space plants 2.5–3.5m (8–11ft) apart along the fence.
Common Problems
Blackberries and hybrids can face:
- Pests: Aphids
- Diseases:
- Grey mold
- Cane blight
- Spur blight
- Viruses
By pruning and training your blackberry and hybrid berry plants with these guidelines, you’ll enjoy healthier, more productive bushes season after season.