Am I supposed to cut down Blackberry vines that have already fruited?

Question

I"m getting decent blackberries for the 1st time ever from my plantings of 2 years ago.

Now my wife is telling me she read somewhere that those vines will not fruit again and I'm supposed to cut them to the ground and leave the new ones from this year that did not produce fruit for next year??

Is that right? Will the same vine not produce fruit again?

Answer 1

if you cut your vines to the ground you will cut off all the new fruiting buds for the next year and have no fruit next year as buds are created in the fall for next years spring fruit.  it is better to cut the vines which have already produced fruit in the spring after they have finished fruiting as these vines will then die shortly afterwards but do not cut the new vines which have not produced fruit as they will be the ones to fruit next year.

Answer 2

http://www.google.com/search?q=prune+bla...

this is one of the better sites...

http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/14...

basically, yes.... those canes that bore fruit this year will die... the new growth canes that are growing now will be next years berry producers.... as the old canes die, they can be removed... then learn about 'tipping' so you get the maximum laterals for next season....

get familiar with the terms used on that first site.... change them if it makes it easier to understand.... !!...

Answer 3

Most come back stronger when cut down completely, even rose bushes. However, pick all the fruit first!

Answer 4

most fruit bushes produce fruit on new branches so yes cut back - but if you have half a dozen bushes try both ways cut some and leave some then you will see for yourself which is better result.