How to Prune Blackberries in Central Texas (Without Killing Your Crop)
One of the most common questions readers ask me is, “How do I prune my blackberries?” While it’s an excellent question, most gardeners ask it at the wrong time of year. As a result, pruning mistakes often lead to poor fruit production or stressed plants.
To clear up the confusion, let’s take the mystery out of pruning blackberries. Once you understand how blackberry plants grow, pruning becomes simple, timely, and highly effective.
First, Know How Blackberries Grow
Before you ever pick up pruning shears, you need to understand one key fact:
Blackberries have perennial roots and biennial canes.
In other words, the roots live for many years, but the above-ground canes live for only two seasons. Because of this growth habit, blackberry pruning depends entirely on which type of cane you’re cutting.
Blackberries Produce Two Types of Canes
Primocanes: First-Year Growth
Primocanes grow during the current growing season. Although they don’t fruit right away (with a few exceptions), they set the stage for next year’s harvest.
To manage primocanes effectively:
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Prune primocanes when they reach 36–48 inches tall
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This tipping encourages lateral branching, which means more fruit next year
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Continue tipping monthly to keep rows maintained at about 48 inches high
By pruning primocanes early and often, you create stronger, more productive plants.
Floricanes: Second-Year Fruiting Canes
Floricanes are last year’s primocanes. These canes:
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Flower and produce fruit during the current season
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Die after fruiting is complete
Once you finish harvesting:
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Cut all floricanes back to the ground
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Do not leave stubs, as they invite pests and disease
Removing spent floricanes quickly allows sunlight and airflow to reach new growth, which is especially important in Central Texas heat and humidity.
Rejuvenation Pruning for Mature Blackberry Plants
Every three years, mature blackberry plants may benefit from a more aggressive approach. After fruiting:
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You can cut the entire plant to the ground
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This removes diseased or weak wood and stimulates fresh growth
However, proceed with caution. This method usually reduces the following year’s yield and should only be done when consistent irrigation can support strong primocane regrowth before the end of the season.
Special Notes on ‘Prime-Ark’ Blackberry Varieties
‘Prime-Ark’ blackberries, developed by the University of Arkansas, grow differently than traditional varieties. These plants:
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Produce fruit on first-year primocanes in early summer
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Then fruit again on second-year floricanes in the fall
Even with Prime-Ark varieties:
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All floricanes still die after fruiting
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Remove dead canes as early as possible to reduce disease pressure and improve airflow
By staying on top of cane removal, you’ll keep plants healthier and more productive year after year.