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Blackberry Trial

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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.

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