Blackberry Trial Garden

Planting Site
20 ft. x 20 ft. slightly raised bed
3 rows spaced 7 feet apart
Initial planting was 6 plants per row spaced 3 feet apart
Soil has been amended with compost
Plant Varieties
Ponca, Ouachita, and Caddo
These are thornless floricane plant varieties
Fertilization
Soil needs to be slightly acidic with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5
A balanced fertilizer such as 13-13-13 should be applied to each row after new growth has started
Apply nitrogen to each row after harvest
Annual soil tests will determine future application requirements
Mulching
2-3 inches of mulch used for weed control and moisture retention
Pine needles and wood chips used in this garden
Irrigation
Plants need regular watering when new and during the dry season
A drip irrigation system is used in this garden
Trellising
Trellising is necessary to keep vines upright and manageable
Single and multi-wire systems are used (3 types are used in this garden)
Pruning
Top the ends of new canes during the summer at 4-5 feet
Prune the laterals to 14-18 inches
Remove dying and/or those floricanes that have produced berries soon after harvest Leave healthy canes spaced 6-8 canes per foot in a row about 12-18 inches wide
Pests/Diseases
Spraying for insect or diseases may be necessary (check with county Cooperative Extension office for identification and recommendations)
Production Yields
2022: 38 1/4 pints (Ponca, Ouachita, and Prime-Ark)
2023: 34 pints (Ponca and Ouachita)
Notes/Observations
The Ponca variety has been the best producer in this garden (75-80 % of production yields); moderate success with the Ouachita variety. The Prime-Ark variety ( a thornless primocane) was discontinued as the climate was not suitable for its optimum growth and production. The Caddo variety will begin producing during the 2024 season.
Minor pest (cane borers) and disease (rust) issues have been experienced.
Comments