Fall Planting Blackberries and Raspberries
Blackberries and Raspberries (along with many other small fruits) can be planted any time they are dormant, usually from November 1 to March 15.
Choosing The Best Varieties
There are many varieties of Blackberries and Raspberries to choose from. Since not all of them do well in our climate, here are some recommendations on varieties that work well in Tennessee:
There are many varieties of Blackberries and Raspberries to choose from. Since not all of them do well in our climate, here are some recommendations on varieties that work well in Tennessee:
|
Blackberries
Thorned: Thornless: Raspberries Summer Red: Black: Purple: Fall-bearing Red: |
Cheyenne, Shawnee, Choctaw Chester, Hull, Navaho Latham, Titan Cumberland (aka Blackcap), Bristol, Jewel Brandywine, Royalty Heritage, Ruby, Autumn Bliss |
By choosing different types of brambles, you can potentially harvest fresh fruit five to six months each year.
For more details on any of these varieties (i.e. fruit size, maturity date, disease resistance), check out this UT Extension Publication: SP284
Selecting a Planting Site
Almost any soil type (except sandy, poorly drained, or drought-prone ones) will work. If possible, plant blackberries and raspberries a minimum of 300 feet away from wild or existing brambles, to reduce the potential for disease problems. Avoid areas where tomatoes, potatoes or eggplants have recently been grown, to reduce the potential for verticillium wilt. Also, keep in mind the space these type of plants need:
For more details on any of these varieties (i.e. fruit size, maturity date, disease resistance), check out this UT Extension Publication: SP284
Selecting a Planting Site
Almost any soil type (except sandy, poorly drained, or drought-prone ones) will work. If possible, plant blackberries and raspberries a minimum of 300 feet away from wild or existing brambles, to reduce the potential for disease problems. Avoid areas where tomatoes, potatoes or eggplants have recently been grown, to reduce the potential for verticillium wilt. Also, keep in mind the space these type of plants need:
Spacing for Raspberries
In row 2.5-3 ft, between rows 8-10 |
Spacing for Blackberries
Thornless: In row 8 ft, between rows 10 ft Thorned: In row 3-4 ft, between rows 10 ft |
Planting Correctly:
Either root cuttings or root suckers can be planted. If root cuttings are used, plant them about 3 to 4 inches deep. If root suckers are used, make holes large enough and deep enough to completely spread the roots. Once planting is done, firm the soil around the plant and water well. For a fall planting, consider adding mulch at the base of the plant to help reduce winter injury.
For more information on small fruit visit our UT Extension Office or Ask a Master Gardener.
Happy Fall Gardening!
By: Sabine Ehlers, CMG - 8/24/2012
Either root cuttings or root suckers can be planted. If root cuttings are used, plant them about 3 to 4 inches deep. If root suckers are used, make holes large enough and deep enough to completely spread the roots. Once planting is done, firm the soil around the plant and water well. For a fall planting, consider adding mulch at the base of the plant to help reduce winter injury.
For more information on small fruit visit our UT Extension Office or Ask a Master Gardener.
Happy Fall Gardening!
By: Sabine Ehlers, CMG - 8/24/2012
