I just purchased a blackberry perennial bush and need help?

Question

I need to know how to care 4 the plant

its about 7 inches long and looks healthy.

I planted it in zone 6

what else should i do?

Answer 1

I put a half bag of composted manure around the base in the fall here in zone 7.  remember the plant fruits on this year's canes-- so note which ones are new-- then cut out the old canes.  Mine fruit in one year.

The biggest problem is keeping the birds from eating my berries!  Last house the bush was threaded on fence-- so the robins and mocking birds had a blast..... This house I have a trellis on a shed-- they've not been totally discovered yet....

Figure out a way for constant trickle of moisture to the base of the plant for the biggest and best berries.  

Enjoy.

good luck

Answer 2

Water it until it is established, do not drown it.  It should take 2 more year to bear fruit.  in 3-5 years it will be quite prolific.  What variety will give you different tastes and ripening times. Also one variety prefers ground and low brush others are climbers and large brush or string types.

Answer 3

You did all you can do.  Next year the plant should grow canes and bear fruit.  Keep the plant well-fed and watered

Answer 4

You won't have to do anything. The biggest problem you'll have is how to get rid of it, and all the shoots which will appear everywhere in your garden. The thorns on these plants are lethal and I would never ever grow one.