Blackberries are fruits with dark pigmentation, sweet, and with a share of acidity that adds flavor to numerous recipes and smoothies. In addition, they have multiple nutritional benefits, highlighting their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nature. Learning how to grow blackberries is very simple; it is enough to identify some characteristics that affect its growth and basic care techniques.
In principle, it is a plant with numerous variants. Most with resistance to temperate and humid climates.
Its growth is abundant, so you have to pay attention to pruning, irrigation, and the nutritional status of the soil. However, enjoying the benefits of blackberries is possible in a much shorter period of time, compared to other plants.
What are blackberries?
The blackberry comes from the Rubus ulmifolius species, a shrub -like a plant, with abundant growth from roots to branches. It belongs to the Rosaceae family and has a long list of variants, including some thorny and others without thorns. It is native to wide geographical sectors, among which are North Africa, Asia, and Europe.
When learning how to grow blackberries, keep in mind that the Rubus genus is made up of variations. The most widely used are those known as Ashton Cross, Dewberry, Thornless, Evergreen, Himalaya, and Bailey.
All these variants coexist better with temperate climates and humid conditions. They are not so suitable for arid geographical spaces.
The special Mediterranean
In contrast to other blackberry species, the Rubus ulmifolius L. variant, better known as the Mediterranean blackberry , is favorable to dry climates. This is an aspect to take into account if you live in an area with a hot climate.
Tips for Growing Blackberries
Growing blackberries, maintaining them, and enjoying their benefits is a simple task, which includes basic care, along with some details. They are related to the frequency of irrigation, pruning, and care in hot weather periods of the year.
How to grow blackberries
Planting does not require major complications. It is a plant that begins to grow as soon as it is inserted into the ground.
For that, you must dig a not-very-large hole and insert it into it. It is advisable to take into account the space of the garden since blackberries tend to have a wide development.
The expansion should be controlled by pruning, so that it does not become invasive with respect to other species already installed. As an alternative, it is possible to build terraces or platforms that delimit the space of the plant.
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Although soil conditions are subject to the planted variant, in general, blackberries do better in spaces with a neutral or slightly acidic pH. It is possible to enhance its development by incorporating humus or compost into the soil.
Humidity
It is very important that blackberries have spaces where there is good water drainage. In addition, they develop better in humid soils, so it is recommended to keep them in these conditions, without reaching flooding.
Temperature
The blackberry requires periods of heat and cold. However, most of the variants are not very resistant to hot and dry climates.
Therefore, although they must go through the summer months to boost their growth, it is important to maintain soil moisture when temperatures are high.
Pruning
One of the fundamental tasks in the maintenance of this plant is pruning. This is because, under natural conditions, blackberry roots are generated from the stems, causing a twig vine.
During the summer months, once the fruits have come out, all the dry branches must be cut. As a complement, it is advisable to also carry out winter pruning, since this favors the birth of new shoots.
Sunlight
As for the sun’s rays, it is preferable that this plant receives them directly, at least for a few hours a day. However, if the climatic conditions of the area tend to be hot, they can better tolerate shade.
Frequent watering
The key to effectively moisturizing blackberries is to water frequently, but sparingly. This is because absorption is kept at shallow levels.
Therefore, reaching the puddles can be very detrimental to the plant. You have to intensify the process during the flowering stage. The ideal technique, in this case, is drip irrigation.
Fruits and multiplication
With proper care and attention, it is possible to enjoy blackberries in the second year of planting. But these specimens appear only once a year, unlike other similar fruits.
To establish the differentiation, it must be taken into account that blackberries are a type of blackberry, which can come from different plant variants.
Harvesting is done during the summer months and when ripening begins. That is, at the moment when they acquire a very dark tone.
They must be refrigerated as soon as the harvest is done. On the other hand, if you want to multiply the plant, just cut some stems from it and place them in another sector of the land. With frequent watering and suitable soil, the growth of a new specimen will occur quickly.
The consumption of blackberries and almost all their variants is not only delicious but also provides antioxidants for the body.
Benefits of blackberries
To enjoy the nutritional and gastronomic advantages offered by the fruits, the harvest must be carried out with the already mentioned indications. In addition, it must be taken into account if the specimen has thorns, in which case it is advisable to incorporate the appropriate protective equipment.
One of the main components of the fruit is anthocyanins. It is the pigment responsible for the color purple.
It is present in various fruits and vegetables. Various studies demonstrate its antioxidant capabilities. In addition, blackberries are a source of fiber and vitamins A, C, and K.
They can be incorporated into the diet in a variety of ways, from summer salads to juices and smoothies. Also in yogurts, cakes, or as a simple sandwich.
Beyond the nutrients provided by blackberries, we must not forget their fructose content. Therefore, it is not recommended to exceed its consumption, since it can favor overweight and insulin resistance.