Growing Blackberries in Central Texas: Varieties, Care, and Culture
Blackberries grow exceptionally well in Central Texas when you follow a few essential guidelines. Consistent production depends on proper irrigation, correct pruning, and effective weed control. With the right care, blackberries reward gardeners with years of reliable harvests.
Understanding Blackberry Growth Habits
Most blackberry plants are biennial, meaning they produce fruit on second-year canes, known as floricanes. However, newer introductions from the University of Arkansas—called Prime-Ark® blackberries—produce fruit on both first-year canes (primocanes) and second-year canes. As a result, these varieties can yield two harvests per year, making them especially attractive for Texas gardeners.
Blackberries prefer sandy soils with good drainage, but they will grow successfully in any soil that is at least 12 inches deep. When drainage is poor, raised beds provide an excellent solution and help prevent root diseases.
Blackberry Varieties for Texas Gardens
When selecting blackberries to grow in Texas, choose from three main categories: thorny, thornless, or primocane-bearing varieties.
Thorny Blackberry Varieties
In general, thorny blackberries outperform thornless types in productivity, and many were developed specifically for Texas conditions.
- ‘Brazos’
Developed at Texas A&M in 1950, this tough, reliable variety produces heavy crops for many years. While the fruit is acidic, it works exceptionally well for cooking and canning. In addition, ‘Brazos’ tolerates drought and heat but does have thorns. - ‘Kiowa’
This Arkansas introduction produces the largest berries of any blackberry variety. It performs extremely well in Texas, delivering large, high-quality fruit on erect canes. ‘Kiowa’ requires about 200 chilling hours. - ‘Rosborough’
Released by Texas A&M in 1977, ‘Rosborough’ remains the best early-season blackberry for South Central Texas. It produces large, sweet fruit—often with higher yields than ‘Brazos’—on erect canes.
Thornless Blackberry Varieties
The University of Arkansas developed most thornless blackberries, naming them after Native American tribes. These varieties are easier to harvest and maintain, while still producing excellent fruit.
- ‘Apache’
This variety produces large, sweet berries on vigorous plants. However, yields can be inconsistent. ‘Apache’ requires 800 chilling hours. - ‘Arapaho’
Highly productive and reliable, ‘Arapaho’ produces medium-sized fruit over a four-week season. Its erect growth forms a dense hedgerow quickly, and it resists double blossom and orange rust. Requires 500 chilling hours and performs well in Zone 8. - ‘Natchez’
With large fruit and good yields, ‘Natchez’ shows strong promise for Texas gardens. Requires 500 chilling hours. - ‘Ouachita’
This mid-season variety produces heavy yields of firm, large berries. It requires only 300 chilling hours, making it well-suited to Central Texas. - ‘Triple Crown’
Known for its upright, free-standing habit, ‘Triple Crown’ produces large, sweet berries over a four- to five-week harvest. Plants can reach 8 feet tall and 4 feet wide and ripen in mid-summer.
Primocane-Bearing Blackberry Varieties
Primocane-bearing blackberries are newer to the market, but they continue to gain popularity due to their ability to produce two crops per year. The University of Arkansas developed these varieties, which include both thornless and thorned options.
- ‘Prime-Ark® Freedom’
This thornless variety produces attractive, flavorful berries on primocanes from August through September and again on floricanes in May and June. It is especially well-adapted to hot Texas summers. - ‘Prime-Ark® Traveler’
Released for its high yields, this thornless variety produces medium to large, sweet berries with low acidity. First-year canes ripen in July, while second-year canes ripen in June. - ‘Prime-Ark® 45’
This thorned variety features erect canes and firm, medium-sized berries with excellent storage life. Both first- and second-year canes produce fruit beginning in June and continuing over an extended harvest period.
Blackberry Culture and Planting
Plant blackberries 2 to 3 feet apart within rows, and space rows approximately 12 feet apart. Proper spacing improves airflow, reduces disease pressure, and makes harvesting easier.
Irrigation for Blackberries in Central Texas
Irrigation plays a critical role in producing high-quality blackberries. Begin watering in March or April, preferably using drip irrigation to keep foliage dry and reduce disease.
Water consistently during bloom, fruit set, and fruit ripening, then continue regular irrigation through September. As fall approaches, gradually reduce watering to help harden off the canes. During dry winters, supplemental irrigation may still be necessary.
Weed Control Strategies
Weeds compete aggressively with blackberries for water and nutrients, so effective weed control is essential. Apply a wood chip mulch and use a pre-emergent herbicide labeled for fruit-bearing plants to prevent weed seed germination.
While landscape fabric can help, do not cover the center of the row. New primocanes must emerge freely. Additionally, selective herbicides may be used to control grasses within blackberry plantings. Always check the label for application instructions.
Fertilizing Blackberries
Fertilize blackberries when plants begin leafing out in spring, then apply fertilizer again in summer after harvest. Nitrogen is the most important nutrient for blackberry growth, although deficiencies in other nutrients may occur.
To ensure proper nutrition, test your soil every three years and adjust fertilization as needed.
Trellising Blackberries
Most blackberry varieties grown in Texas have an erect or semi-erect growth habit. However, once floricanes become heavily loaded with fruit, they often bend and touch the ground, increasing the risk of fruit rot.
You can trellis blackberries, plant them near a fence, or allow them to grow unsupported. A simple two-wire trellis, with wires positioned at 30 inches and 60 inches, provides excellent support and improves airflow and weed control. Regular tip-pruning keeps canes manageable and encourages productive side branches. Schedule tip-pruning for June.
Notably, newer Prime-Ark® varieties grow more upright and typically do not require trellising.
Pruning Blackberries
Pruning keeps blackberry plantings orderly, productive, and disease-resistant. Because pruning techniques vary by variety and cane type, we’ve covered this topic in detail in a separate post.
👉 See our blog on Blackberry Pruning HERE
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