Key features
FruitDual purpose (eating & cooking)
Pollination groupSelf fertile
Cropping periodMid/late season
Description
The name says it all, Blackberry Thornfree is a thorn-free blackberry plant that can be grown against a wall or trellis. The canes are totally thornless making them easy to train and prune, and ideal for children. The juicy fruits crop in late August to September and are large and shiny with a good flavour. This Blackberry plant has fairly pretty foliage that gives a good display of autumn colour, adding an aesthetically pleasing element to the fruit patch. Poor drainage and damp soil is no challenge for this tough variety.
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.
