How to Grow Blackberries in Pots

Growing blackberries in pots is so much easier than growing them in your garden because they can literally take over your yard! Although blackberries are delicious, they can be a nuisance in a garden as they will take over everything. To grow blackberries in pots though, is actually pretty easy! No need to worry about them taking over, and they're easy to take care of!

Growing blackberries is much the same as growing blueberries or any other type of berry. They need well draining soil, lots of sun, and a little TLC here and there. Keep an eye out for pests and other animals as they love to pick off berries.

Growing Blackberries in Pots

Blackberries grow best in USDA hardiness zones 6-8, but once they're established, can pretty much grow anywhere else! They don't require a lot of maintenance, just a lot of sun. Once you've got your blackberry plant set up, it's pretty much self sufficient!

Choosing The Right Type of Blackberries

There are tons of different blackberry varieties, and all of them will grow great in pots, but you're better off choosing ones without thorns. Thornless blackberries will grow much better in pots!

The Pot/Container

The grow blackberries in pots, you'll need a pot that is at least 5 gallons or larger and that is at least 6 inches deep. Blackberry roots like to spread out horizontally rather than vertically, so just make sure your pot is wider than it is deeper.

Planting Blackberries

Blackberries are usually planted in early spring. You can sow seeds indoors a few weeks before the last frost date for a faster harvest.

To plant your blackberries, you'll need to fill your pot or container with either potting soil or topsoil blend. Whether you're growing from seeds or from an already grown plant, the same rules apply. Once your blackberry plant start growing, you might need to insert a stake or trellis so your plant can climb up!

If you feel your blackberry plant getting too big for the pot, simply re-pot your plant by gently scooping it out and placing in a bigger pot.

Caring For Your Blackberry Plant

1. To grow blackberries in pots, you'll need good drainage on your pot. Water regularly and check the top soil to see if it's dry. If the top inch of soil is dry, make sure to water.
2. Apply a slow release fertilizer once in the spring and once a month thereafter.
3. Keep in full sun.
4. Very important to remember that blackberries grow their best on one year old canes. Therefore, as soon as you've harvested, cut down the old canes to ground level. Tie up the new canes that have grown.
5. In the winter, apply mulch around the base to protect your blackberry plant and cover it to protect it from frost.

Taking good care of your plant means years and years of beautiful blackberries! 

Happy Planting!