Organic Forest Plants & More

Blackberry

Edible Landscaping

Zones

: 7 - 9

Duration: Perennial

Growth Habit: Ground Cover

Mature Size: Cane length: 15+'

Flowers: May - June

Fruit: July - September

Common alternate names for Blackberry: N/A

Scientific name for Blackberry:  Rubus L.

Planting Information: 

Grows best in warmer, temperate regions. Prefers full sun.

Prefers well-drained soils. Best soil types: loamy, sandy loam, rich in organic or humic matter. The soil should be at least 1' deep.

Recommended pH range: 4.5 - 7.5.

A few years after establishment, pruning will be necessary. This is best done with loppers.

If planted on the side of a hill, the plant is less susceptible to late spring frosts than if planted in a valley.

Colors: Leaves: deciduous, green. Flowers: white. Fruit: bright red  when unripe, black (dark purple) & shiny when ripe.

Edible - food uses of Blackberry:

The berrires can be prepared as any other edible fruit; they can be eaten fresh, frozen, dried, canned, or preserved. Blackberries can be made into a delicious juice, wine, jelly, jam, or pie as well.

Healing medicinal qualities of Blackberry: N/A

Other uses for Blackberry: N/A

Wildlife:

Blackberries are one of the blackbear's favorite food sources during the summer.

General description and characteristics of Blackberry:

A perennial and common bramble of the Appalachian region. Blackberry fruit grows on long, heavily thorned canes (stalks).

Part of the rose family.

Blackberries are full of nutrients. Just one serving of blackberries gives you 50% of the vitamin C,
10% of the folate, and 22% of the fiber needed daily.

Blackberries should be harvested only when fully black for maximum flavor and sugar content. Storage life of blackberries is one day unrefrigerated.

A planting can provide fruit for 15 years or more, but it's best production occurs between its third and eight year.