Learn how to grow blackberry plants from cuttings so that you can expand your berry patch effortlessly and enjoy a bountiful harvest. Blackberries are a fantastic way to grow your own food, even if you have a busy schedule, because they are incredibly low maintenance. Once established, they thrive with minimal care, producing an abundance of sweet, juicy berries year after year. The best part? From just one plant, you can grow many blackberry plants from cuttings, giving you all the berries you need for fresh eating, homemade jams, and delicious pies.
Choosing the Right Cuttings: Softwood vs. Hardwood
Blackberries can be propagated using softwood cuttings (taken in late spring to early summer) or hardwood cuttings (taken in fall or winter). Here’s how to decide which method works best for you:
- Softwood Cuttings: These are young, flexible stems taken from the current season’s growth. They root quicky but require more attention to moisture and warmth.
- Hardwood Cuttings: These are mature, woody stems taken during the plant’s dormant season. They take longer to root but can require less maintenance.
Both methods are effective, so choose the one that fits your timing and gardening style!
How to Take Blackberry Cuttings
No matter which type of cutting you choose, follow these steps for the best results:
Step 1: Select a Healthy Blackberry Stem
- Choose a strong, disease-free stem from a mature blackberry plant.
- For softwood cuttings, pick a flexible green stem that isn’t too woody.
- For hardwood cuttings, select a sturdy, brown stem from the previous season’s growth.
Step 2: Cut the Stem
- Using clean, sharp pruning shears, cut a 6-8 inch section of the stem.
- Make the cut just below a leaf node (the small bump where the leave grows)
- Remove any lower leaves, leaving only the top 2-3 leaves intact.
How to Grow Blackberry Cuttings in Soil
Step 3: Prepare the Planting Medium
- Fill a pot with a well-draining mix of potting soil with perlite or sand.
- Moisten the soil slightly so it’s damp but not soggy.
Step 4: Plant the Cuttings
- Insert the blackberry cuttings about 2-3 inches deep into the soil.
- Gently press the soil around the stems to hold it in place.
Step 5: Provide the Right Conditions
- Place the pot in a warm, bright location but with indirect light.
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- If using softwood cuttings, cove the pot with a plastic bag or humidity dome to retain moisture.
Roots typically develop within 3-6 weeks. You’ll know the blackberry cuttings rooted when you see new growth.
How to Root Blackberry Cuttings in Water
If you prefer an even simpler method, you can root blackberries in water:
- Place the cutting in a jar with 2-3 inches of water, ensuring the bottom node is submerged.
- Keep the jar in a warm spot with indirect light.
- Change the water every few days to prevent bacteria growth.
- Once roots are at least 1-2 inches long (in about 4-6 weeks), transplant the cutting into soil.
While this method works, water-rooted plants may take longer to adjust when transplanted into soil.
Transplanting Rooted Blackberry Cuttings
Once your cuttings have developed strong roots, it’s time to plant them in their permanent spot:
- Choose a location with full sun and well-draining soil.
- Space plants 3-4 feet apart to allow room for growth.
- Water deeply after planting and mulch around the base to retain moisture.
New blackberry plants typically start producing fruit in their second year, but they grow quickly and will soon reward you with an abundance of berries!
Caring for Young Blackberry Plants
Blackberries are low-maintenance, but a little care will help them thrive:
- Watering: Keep soil moist, especially during the first year. Once established, blackberries are drought-tolerant.
- Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer in early sprint to encourage strong growth.
- Pruning: Trim weak or overcrowded stems in late winter to keep plants healthy.
Final Thoughts on Growing Blackberries From Cuttings
Now that you know how to grow blackberries from cuttings, you can easily multiply your plants and enjoy an endless supply of homegrown berries. Whether you want to fill your garden, share with friends, or make homemade jams and pies, propagating blackberries is a simple and rewarding process.
