Growing blackberries isn’t a race—it’s a long game.
Growing blackberries isn’t a race—it’s a long game. And the payoff for a patient first year? Years of abundant, flavorful harvests with minimal intervention. Here’s why the first growing season is crucial—and how to support your plants the right way from day one.
1. The Root System Is the Foundation of Everything
Blackberry bushes are perennial. Once established, they’ll return year after year—but only if their underground network is strong. During the first year, the plant’s energy is focused almost entirely on developing a robust root system that can support future cane and fruit growth.
Think of it as laying a deep, strong foundation before building a house.
2. Expect Modest Growth Above Ground
You’ll see green shoots (called primocanes) emerge, but don’t expect explosive growth or any meaningful fruit this first season. That’s not failure—that’s focus.
- The plant is allocating energy to root growth, not fruit production.
- Early fruiting can actually stress the plant, reducing its long-term health.
🌱 Pro Tip: If small flowers or berries appear, pinch them off to redirect energy back to root development.
3. Your Job in Year One: Nurture, Not Harvest
Here’s how to be a good steward of your first-year blackberry plants:
- Water consistently – Keep soil moist but not soggy. Roots need hydration to expand.
- Mulch heavily – Controls weeds, moderates soil temperature, and retains moisture.
- No over-fertilizing – Excess nitrogen can push leafy growth at the expense of roots.
- Weed diligently – Young plants hate competition.
4. The Payoff: A Thriving, Fruitful Second Year
If you’ve done it right, year two will feel like a reward. New canes will emerge stronger and taller, and those vigorous root systems will support larger berries, longer harvests, and fewer disease issues.
A well-established blackberry plant in year two can produce up to 10–20 pounds of fruit per row foot.
5. Final Thought: Don’t Rush the Roots
In gardening—and life—the best things take time to grow. Let your blackberries spend their first year settling in. You’ll thank yourself when you’re harvesting bowls of sweet, sun-warmed berries with half the effort in the years to come.
🌿 “In the garden, patience is not a virtue—it’s a strategy.”