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The Smith County Master Gardener Program, in association with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, is providing valuable information on growing blackberries in Texas. Known for its productive and thornless varieties, the state can now offer the opportunity for almost anyone to grow and harvest their own blackberries at home.

The best time to plant blackberries in Texas is in the fall or winter, as this ensures that the plants get established before the summer droughts. These plants require at least eight hours of full sun, slightly acidic well-drained soils, and can tolerate both heat and cold. Blackberries are generally planted as 1-gallon containerized plants, making them available for planting year-round if there is moisture.

After planting, it is important to apply a complete lawn fertilizer in the late winter before growth begins and again after fruit harvest in the summer, when the canes are pruned. Blackberries produce fruit on canes that grew the previous year, so it is essential to cut out and remove these canes after fruiting.

The recommended blackberry cultivars for Texas include “Arapaho” (thornless), “Brazos” (thorny), “Chickasaw” (thorny), “Choctaw” (thorny), “Kiowa” (thorny), “Natchez” (thornless), “Navaho” (thornless), “Ouachita” (thornless), and “Rosborough” (thorny). “Natchez” is a Texas Superstar selection, known for its high production.

Blackberries are a popular fruit in Texas and have a rich history of being cherished for making cobblers and jelly. With the opportunity to grow them at home, more people can experience the joy of harvesting and enjoying these delicious fruits. For more information on growing blackberries in Texas, interested individuals can read the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service publication about them on the Aggie Horticulture website.

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