Key features
Final size2 x 1 metres in 20 years
FruitDual purpose (eating & cooking)
Pollination groupSelf fertile
Cropping periodEarly season
PositionFull sun to part shade
SoilPrefers moist yet well-draining soil
Description
Blackberry Bedford Giant is a reliable, early season variety producing a heavy crop of large and juicy fruits between July and August. These blackberries have a superb flavour and can be used for cooking or eaten fresh. They do also freeze well so you can enjoy them at a later date. Tough and vigorous, the self-fertile Bedford Giant is best planted against a wall or fence or as a protective screen.
Blackberry Bedford Giant prefers a moist, well-draining soil for the best results but can tolerate some poorer drainage as well. Plant in a partial shade to full sun position.
AKA Rubus fruticosus ‘Bedford Giant’
Planting Steps
1Preparation
- Pot-grown plants can be planted at any time of year, whereas bare roots need to be planted between November and March.
- Clear weeds and grass within a metre of the planting hole.
- Dig a hole as deep as the root mass and twice as wide.
- To help your plant establish more effectively, sprinkle Rootgrow in the hole.
2Planting
- Gently loosen the roots and place into the planting hole.
- Ensure the top of the plant’s compost is flush with the level of the surrounding soil and the graft union or collar of the tree is above ground level.
- Mix 50% of the original soil with 50% compost.
- Fill in the hole, firming the soil gently.
3Last Steps
- Water generously around the base of the plant.
- If you are planting either a single stem tree or mature standard tree, we recommend adding a staking kit and rabbit guard.
Aftercare Advice
Trees and shrubs require a good watering regime for a couple of years whilst they establish. Water well and regularly through spring and summer, increasing in hot or dry weather. If planting in autumn, you may only need to water a little. It is advisable to keep the area free of competing weeds and grass during this period.
For more detailed advice and video guides, please visit our Help & Advice section.
