Rubus fruticosus

Blackberry is one of the typical fruit loved by kids in summer. They love everything that can be harvested straight to the mouth and black berries of very sweet flavour is obviously something that cannot be missed. This plant forms long thorny canes with evergreen or semi-deciduous or fully deciduous leaves. They are serrated at margins, dark green, and may change deep purple red in autumn. Apart from the species commonly found in our woods there are some varieties cultivated for larger fruit or other different characteristics.

By the way, do you know the English legend which says that it should not be picked after Michaelmas (September 29) as the devil has claimed them by spitting and urinating at them. The botanical explanation of this says that at that time the over ripened fruit may be infected by various molds and may be toxic.
Neglected blackberry plant is an impenetrable thicket with less fruit, therefore, regular pruning is advised. Since it sets flowers and fruit on 2-year-old canes, it is recommended that young canes, which grow as long as 4m in the first year, are staked to a vertical support, not left lying on the ground. After the have produced fruit that has been picked up it is best to prune such cane hard or to remove it completely. This way only young and fruiting canes will be present on the plant which will make harvesting much easier.

Blackberries need well-drained, medium fertile, neutral soil, and full sun or dappled shade. If fertilized and watered in dry spells the fruit will be larger and tastier, and in bigger quantity. In dry summers water them substantially, otherwise the fruit will become of inferior quality, usually bitter and small. Fully hardy to min. -34°C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 25-09-2015