How to Prune Blackberries the Right Way for Bigger Harvests

[@CaliKim29]

December SALE: 20% off with code “thankyou” at calikimgardenandhome.com. Includes all 23 CaliKim Seed Collections, Book/Seed Bundles, CaliKim SmartPots, and salad in container kits. Free CaliKim goodie package (until they run out), with every order! Sale good til 12/31/21. Pre-order my new book: The First-Time Gardener: Raised Bed Gardening (release date: Spring, 2022): calikimgardenandhome.com/books/. First 25 pre-orders will receive a free CaliKim Pea Seed Collection and goodie package). Email screen shot with proof of pre-order (PUT PRE-ORDER IN SUBJECT LINE) to [e-mail] with full name and mailing address (US addresses only, please). Gardening Coast2Coast podcast with CaliKim and Gary (The Rusted Garden Homestead): gardeningcoast2coast.net. SEEDS CaliKim Seed Collections (indoor garden, fall garden, container garden, spring garden, tomato, heat tolerant greens, herbs, lettuce, flowers, and more): calikimgardenandhome.com As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases: Seed starting supplies: amzn.to/30kbmDG Garden fertilizers:amzn.to/2uQkhBh Garden disease and pest control: amzn.to/2FMw6L7 Grow Lights: amzn.to/2NlY5FB Garden Tools: amzn.to/2RiwRRq Amazon lawn & garden supplies: amzn.to/30kFe2Z Amazon general search page: amzn.to/3897OqD Thanks for gardening with me!

[@melissakingery4393]

No live today?

[@carmenbarrera4510]

P

[@rfmlets6713]

You can't go wrong with this bush. I trimmed it last year and didn't have a clue what I was doing. I've had a bumper crop this summer.

[@CaliKim29]

Good to know -- Thank you! CK

[@mrsj1077]

I needed to hear that. Direct and straight to point. Ill learn later😩🤣🤣

[@SouthernScaffolder88]

Just bought a house with 5 acres and LOTS of blackberry bushes. This is going to come in handy, thanks.

[@CaliKim29]

Oh you sound busy!!!! What fun! do keep us posted… CK

[@thepipingbagbakery4399]

Oh geez! Should have watch this before butchering my canes!

[@kfetter9046]

You are a really good teacher. You always explain how things work so clearly, and present it in a way that is easy to understand. Thank you! ☺

[@CaliKim29]

You're very welcome, K - appreciate the feedback! Thanks for watching and happy berry growing!

[@Bennies11007]

I was going to say something similar! I’m a hands on learner who just learned and feels confident to go trimming and I never left my seat. 😊 that’s talent girl 🎉 great video!

[@bryansteen2219]

I've got 2 50ft rows of kiowa blackberry and I usually take my hedge trimmer after them in fall taking them to 3 ft, then go after the dead stalks in the spring

[@parkiepoo1373]

thank you so much omg. you explain everything so clearly :)))

[@CaliKim29]

Parkiepoo (cute name btw) I am SO glad to hear this!!! Tell me about you .... where are gardening from and are you growing anything, right now? Please subscribe if you are enjoying my channel/content! Look forward to hearing from you - CaliKim

[@kainicholson2021]

I had the best harvest ever this year. And it is because of a good trim. Thank you for the reminder to prune!

[@CaliKim29]

You got it, Kai! Pruning makes the difference between a few berries and a bumper crop. Have fun with your berries!

[@Pazuzu]

How are fall bearing blackberries pruned, compared to summer bearing? Mine are only just starting to ripen a few berries at a time, in early September.

[@Joanne-j9d]

Yes I'm going to prune my plants. They are all new plants I started off my old plants. We needed to move them further away from my garden so I started all new plants

[@Gkrissy]

Thanks for the helpful pruning video Calikim. I need to prune my blackberry bush as well. You also helped me with pruning my mums.

[@CaliKim29]

Hi Krystal - so glad it's helpful - sometimes pruning is the hardest part of gardening, but it really does bring new life to the plants. thanks so much for stopping by!

[@quinster27]

Finally, a great video on how to prune blackberries! So simple. Thank you!

[@CaliKim29]

YAY!!!! Thank you and I love that it resonated with you!! Thanks for taking the time to share that with me! CK

[@kari7398]

Thanks for the informative video. I’m definitely going to prune my blackberry bush and hope for a higher yield next year :)

[@CliffWarren]

Good explanations on this complicated topic! This makes me want to do my blackberries and raspberries but they’re under about 8 inches of snow! They will have to wait until March.

[@CaliKim29]

Hey Cliff - they're nice and cozy under that blanket of snow - once the snow melts, they'll appreciate a good pruning and will reward yo next summer with lots of berries! Thanks for watching!

[@SueFennell-u4v]

Thanks for that video, headed out to trim now. It is very exciting to grow your own berries!

[@CaliKim29]

Yes, it is, Sue!!! GREAT job!!! CaliKim

[@DawnRK3204]

Thank you. Finally a video on pruning blackberries that makes sense to me.

[@CaliKim29]

Glad it was helpful! AND...Thanks for taking the time to share this with me - absolutely makes my day (b/c this is why I do this channel!!!) Keep us posted, please! Kim

[@deleqtronica8733]

I had no idea what i was doing, i was chopping the plant every year to the ground pretty much, hopefully with this new found knowledge my yields will bw much better next year

[@CaliKim29]

Hey that's alright! Just keep going!!! CaliKim

[@cateyelizabeth85]

I have a triple crown blackberry bush my boyfriend gave me last summer and I'm just now seeing two of the canes growing flower buds on the end :) I suppose I'll be pruning for the first time this fall or winter

[@CaliKim29]

Hey, that's exciting, right!!!??? Great job, Caley!!! CK

[@LiiLLAMAHx]

It's time to prune my blackberry plant, it's got two very long primocanes so do I chop those back to a couple feet? Then I chop all the ones that fruited down to the base of the plant? It's a fairly new plant not too much growth

[@rockyusa2012]

Blueberry crisp looks great. Enjoy.

[@CaliKim29]

It was super tasty, Rocky! We could've easily eaten the whole pan in one sitting, but we saved some for dessert tonight. Thanks for stopping by!

[@georgelafflin3847]

It’s not blueberry lol

[@markney7895]

Trying to garden in a field at least partially taken over by trailing blackberries-trying to find information on getting the mess under control 😢

[@CaliKim29]

Trails of blackberries can definitely be a challenge! Here are a few strategies to help get them under control: Manual Removal: Cut back the blackberry canes to the ground using pruners or a saw. Be sure to wear gloves and long sleeves to protect yourself from the thorns. Removing as much of the root system as possible can help prevent regrowth. Mulching: After cutting back the canes, cover the area with thick mulch or cardboard. This helps smother any remaining roots and prevents new shoots from emerging. Herbicides: If manual removal isn't enough, you might need to use an herbicide. Look for products specifically designed for brambles and follow the instructions carefully. Be cautious with herbicides around other plants. Regular Maintenance: Keep an eye on the area and remove any new sprouts as soon as they appear. Regular maintenance will help prevent blackberries from taking over again. Cover Crops: Planting cover crops can help suppress weeds and give your garden a head start in the competition for resources. It may take some time and effort, but with persistence, you should be able to reclaim your garden space! If you are finding my channel helpful - do subscribe and the thumbs up the videos that you watch! That would be appreciated!!! CaliKim

[@broncoman3864]

I planted a blackberry bush on the side of my house about 3 years ago . I can’t believe how many berries I get and they are by far the best blackberries I’ve ever eaten!

[@CaliKim29]

Homegrown flavor is amazing - and when you prune, they go crazy! Enjoy your berries this year!

[@Houstonian343]

I had a volunteer blackberry pop up in my yard last year, it grew a couple feet made a few berries…in spring it came back and started growing canes everywhere-by the time I thought ok this is a bit much (is at the front of my tomato garden) they were flowers everywhere, so I thought OK I’ll just let it be. I’ve gotten about 4 or 5 pints of huge berries and it’s caning everywhere-this video will be helpful I hope-but it all seems to be coming off of one or two main canes

[@oliviacooke2247]

This was so so informative. I recently found blackberry brambles wrapped up in one of my rose bushes and was hoping to be able to care for it so we can have even more and bigger blackberries on it next summer! I will add this to my fall/winter clean up list.

[@CaliKim29]

I'm glad you found the information helpful! Taking care of those blackberry brambles wrapped in your rose bush sounds like a great plan for next summer's harvest. Fall and winter cleanup will definitely help ensure they thrive. Here's to abundant and delicious blackberries in your garden! CK

[@catalinacuevas7365]

This was very helpful. The explanation at the beginning was much needed! Thank you

[@karenburrell5188]

I have wild blackberries. Never have pruned them I will try that to some of them near the house. Thank you for so much knowledge. The crisp looks amazing. We need taste a vision lol

[@CaliKim29]

Hi Karen - taste-a-vison would be fun, for sure! Lucky you to have wild berries, pruning some near the house will go along way towards keep them tidier and increase your berry harvests. Thanks for the visit!

[@ramonajolley1966]

Yes!! You are a wonderful teacher. I'm fearful. I haven't gone down to my BlackBerry pach in a few years. I will now after seeing you video. I'll watch it once more to be sure what I'll be doing. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

[@CaliKim29]

Hi Ramona - I totally get your apprehension - I used to feel the same way! Go for it and don't worry if you make mistakes - it's the best way to learn. You'll get more berries and will love that berry crisp you'll be making! Thanks for watching - let me know how it goes! 🍅December SALE: 20% off CaliKim Seed Collections with code “thankyou” at calikimgardenandhome.com. Includes all 23 CaliKim Seed Collections, Book/Seed Bundles, CaliKim SmartPots, and salad in container kits. Free CaliKim goodie package (until they run out), with every order - Happy New Year from Jerry and I! Sale good til 12/31/21.

[@Mona-fd5kf]

thank you for sharing how to prune the blackberry bush. Both of mine were prolific this year and almost ready to be cleaned up.

[@CaliKim29]

Glad it was helpful!

[@petermelville5524]

best blackberry pruning video...thanks

[@CaliKim29]

Wow, Peter, that is a very nice compliment!! Thank you!! If you are finding my channel helpful - do subscribe and the thumbs up the videos that you watch! That would be appreciated!!! CK

[@MySuewho]

What a wonderful video in very informative without a lot of extra chatter. I loved that you showed the pie at the end as well and I'm presuming your husband. Right now my blackberry bushes are a mess and I am looking forward to pruning them. Thank you so much!

[@CaliKim29]

Thank you so much!!! Ohhhh, and let m know about how your blackberries go! Kim

[@MySuewho]

@@CaliKim29 will do:)

[@lupitacameron9693]

Great pruning video, thank you. Wondering when can I transplant the canes that have rooted themselves to another location?

[@CaliKim29]

Hi Lupita, as long as the plants have rooted (tug gently on the canes, if there is resistance, they rooted) you can transplant them. Enjoy your berries - thanks for watching!

[@m.martinez167]

Wow! Great info! Thank you! Does the same info go for Raspberries?

[@CaliKim29]

Hello M - yes, raspberries are pruned in a similar way, but as with blackberries, check to see if the raspberry type you're growing are summer bearing or fall bearing. Fall bearing are pruned a bit differently. Thanks for watching!

[@marymccormick7806]

I was wondering the same

[@DiRidpath]

I grew my first blackberry bush this year in a large container. It has already frozen here once, but we have a few days of in the 60's. Would it be better to transfer the bush to in the ground?

[@lindapooh1970]

Perfect timing 👌 ok. I'm going to get busy. Thankyou Kim! Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄

[@CaliKim29]

Same to you, Linda! CK

[@virginiamoss7045]

I have thornless Prime Ark 45 that blooms on the primocanes in the the spring and on the floricans in the late summer/fall so it's hard to tell them apart.

[@CaliKim29]

Yes, it is....hang in there! Kim

[@gardeningtroutmaster]

great how to video.. thx. needed that

[@CaliKim29]

You are very welcome! I hope it helps you get the biggest blackberry harvest yet. If you have found that my videos have helped you please subscribe! Thank you for watching! CaliKim!

[@lucybirchett1289]

Brilliant video, I moved to the countryside 6 months ago and have been picking tons of blackberries in the surrounding fields, I was wondering how I could make the crop better in some of the fields and now I know what to do once they have finished producing fruit. Thank you for the tips x x

[@CaliKim29]

This is great to hear, Lucy! Thank you so much for sharing this with me, really made my day! Keep growing! Kim

[@eddiejeselink2996]

I'm still nervous about it. Thanks

[@CaliKim29]

I totally get it, Eddie - I used to feel the same. Getting started is the hardest part. Don't worry if you make a few pruning mistakes, you'll learn as you go and be rewarded with a ton more berries next season. Keep me posted - thanks for the visit!

[@1959jimbob]

I just found your video and all I can say is WOW THANK YOU! I have some 4th year blackberries that have gone crazy and I let them get away from me last year so today, guess what I will be doing....

[@ReelBackyard]

A church visitor gave me 8 cuttings from his blackberry bush. Ill try planting it on the backyard

[@CaliKim29]

This is a great story - keep us posted!

[@chelleavila5962]

I love watching you, I think we have the same grow zone, I just got a black beret plant it was dying so I got it for less than $2, but it's starting to look great, it has a dead stem should I leave it alone?

[@danielleharan8078]

I have mine in a pot I haven’t put my plant into the ground. I grew it from germination a blackberry seed now it’s huge and this year would be 2 years I’m hoping for berries this year. Do I cut differently cause mine is in a plant potter? Thanks! Danielle ❤

[@CaliKim29]

No, prune the same, but you need to prune when it’s dormant. If it’s already leafing out for the spring, then wait another year. That’s a great question, I hope this is helpful. Please let us all know how it goes. Thank you for subscribing if you do not already! CaliKim

[@taraestes9220]

I know this video is a few yrs old n you might not even see this, but I just planted blackberry bushes this year and they’re quite small right now. Will I still need to prune the little ones back in the fall?

[@CaliKim29]

First year - Let Them Grow. Remove Dead or Damaged Canes Pinching Tips of the new canes when 2-3' in height. Hope this helps! CK

[@taraestes9220]

@@CaliKim29 Yes that helps. Thanks so much for responding ☺️

[@kristinanoall]

Thank you for this! Is it okay to prune the primocanes at other times? Mine grow like CRAZY every year! I pruned the whole crazy bush down to maybe a foot for each cane this spring (I had a newborn last summer and let everything go wild), and it all grew back quickly, super long, into my neighbor’s yards, and I still got plenty of blackberries. But I’d love to get even more!

[@gabbysgoods827]

That blackberry crisp looks AMAZING!!! I want to grow my own for sure !!!

[@CaliKim29]

Hi Gabby, I can't even tell you how amazing it was! We literally could've eaten the whole thing in one sitting, had to force ourselves to save some for later, lol. You gotta grow your own, you'll love it! Thanks for stopping by!

[@50buttfish]

@@CaliKim29 Can you give the recipe?

[@adamekfamilytv]

@@CaliKim29 yes please! I watch you on Apple Tv. I came here to see if you posted that recipe! Thanks for the short and concise video. ❤️

[@ritagibson225]

Hi Kim. My neighbor’s very thorny blackberries have grown through our fence and rooted into my fruit tree beds. I’ve cut them consistently to the ground and dug up the roots. But they persist. Any ideas how to stop this invasion without hurting my fruit trees? They even grew up and over my trees!!!

[@RebekahWestfall-l2n]

Quick question, you said to prune the floricanes in the fall and the primocanes on the spring but you pruned them all at the same time. Is it okay to do it all in the fall like you did in the video?

[@ralphdavis8392]

I have canes 8-10' long some had berries this year and some did not. Should I prune these back to 2'? If I prune the wrong ones too short will that kill the plant?

[@CaliKim29]

For your raspberry canes, pruning can be tricky, but it's important for the health and productivity of your plants. Identify the type of raspberries you have. Everbearing or fall-bearing varieties produce fruit on both first-year and second-year canes, while summer-bearing varieties only produce fruit on second-year canes. For everbearing raspberries: After the canes that fruited this year finish producing (usually in the fall), you can prune those canes all the way down to the ground, as they won’t produce fruit again. First-year canes that didn’t fruit should be left as they will bear fruit next season. For summer-bearing raspberries: Only prune the canes that fruited this year back to the ground. Leave the new canes (first-year canes) unpruned, as they will produce fruit next year. Avoid pruning all canes to 2 feet, as that may reduce your harvest for next year, especially if you cut the new growth. Pruning the wrong canes won’t necessarily kill the plant, but it may reduce fruit production. If you're unsure, it’s best to leave the new canes and only prune the ones that have already produced berries. Let me know if you need help identifying your raspberry variety! If you are finding my channel helpful - do subscribe and the thumbs up the videos that you watch! That would be appreciated!!! CaliKim

[@minoskysr]

So in simple terms trim dead wooden ones to the ground and the green leafy ones to about 2 feet in the fall? Everything gets cut I take it.

[@CaliKim29]

Yes, you're on the right track! Dead, woody canes (the ones that already fruited) should be cut all the way to the ground. Green leafy canes (the ones that haven’t fruited yet) should be trimmed back to about 2 feet to help promote growth and fruiting next season. So, you only cut the dead canes to the ground, while the green ones just get a trim! If my video and comment response was helpful please like the video and subscribe if you have not already! Thanks - CaliKim

[@minoskysr]

@@CaliKim29 thank you for the quick response! Absolutely worth a follow!

[@KariThomas-py6je]

I just planted my first blackberries in May. We are zone 5 here. I have a couple primacanes on them. Should I let them grow across the ground or pin them up off the ground? Thanks for this video! I’ll be pruning things back this fall for sure! Also, do you have a video for care of raspberries? I have one small start plant and I don’t want to kill it off! Thanks!

[@CaliKim29]

Kari, pin the primocanes up off the ground to prevent disease and make them easier to manage. For raspberry care, keep the plant well-watered, mulch to retain moisture, and support the canes as they grow. Prune annually to remove old canes and promote new growth. Good luck, CK

[@yumyumkitchen241]

Can you prune late spring when temps are already high? zone 7b?

[@CaliKim29]

You can but very cautious due to the heat. If the primocanes are getting too tall, you can tip prune them by cutting off the top few inches.Remove some of the new canes (primocanes) if they are too dense. Prune in the early AM or late evening. Don't prune too much so that the plant is left bare (and weak). Before pruning make sure the plants are well hydrated and apply mulch to retain moisture. Hope this helps! CK

[@earlyhours3179]

Was wondering about thornless blackberries. It's October and we're in zone 5/6. Trimmed out the floricanes but was wondering at what time of year the primacanes should be trimmed on thornless blackberries? Should they also be cut to 2 ft long? Also, any tips for helping them survive our harsh winters? Should they be covered and if so, how? Thank you so much!

[@CaliKim29]

Great question! For thornless blackberries, primocane pruning is key for getting healthy growth and a good harvest next year. The ideal time to trim primocanes is late winter or early spring (before new growth starts). You'll want to cut them down to about 2-3 feet to encourage lateral branching, which leads to more fruit production. Those side shoots can then be trimmed back to about 12 inches in the spring. As for winter protection, especially in zone 5/6 with harsh winters, covering your blackberries can definitely help. Mulching with straw, leaves, or shredded bark around the base of the plants will insulate the roots from extreme cold. You can also gently bend the canes to the ground and cover them with a breathable material like burlap or frost cloth to protect the canes themselves. If possible, avoid plastic covers, as they can trap moisture and cause issues with mold or rot. Proper covering and a good mulch layer should help your thornless blackberries survive winter and thrive next season! Great question! For thornless blackberries, primocane pruning is key for getting healthy growth and a good harvest next year. The ideal time to trim primocanes is late winter or early spring (before new growth starts). You'll want to cut them down to about 2-3 feet to encourage lateral branching, which leads to more fruit production. Those side shoots can then be trimmed back to about 12 inches in the spring. As for winter protection, especially in zone 5/6 with harsh winters, covering your blackberries can definitely help. Mulching with straw, leaves, or shredded bark around the base of the plants will insulate the roots from extreme cold. You can also gently bend the canes to the ground and cover them with a breathable material like burlap or frost cloth to protect the canes themselves. If possible, avoid plastic covers, as they can trap moisture and cause issues with mold or rot. Proper covering and a good mulch layer should help your thornless blackberries survive winter and thrive next season! If you are finding my channel helpful - do subscribe and the thumbs up the videos that you watch! That would be appreciated. CaliKim

[@carolgrace6573]

I’m watching this middle August When should I prune ? 😊

[@miket.4106]

Most other videos say to prune the primcanes to 4" above the trellis (3 ft or 5 ft) for erect blackberries (which I have). Because of this video I pruned them way too short.

[@POLSKAdoBOJU]

Another question - I'm a total beginner. I support all my canes along my fence with little hooks, so they're not all tangled, instead of leaving them on the ground (I just don't have the space). Is this bad for the plant? Last year, I got hundreds of berries (it was year two). I then pruned all the canes down to about a foot before winter (in Ontario is gets pretty cold). This year the canes grew like crazy (some were 15-20 feet) but didn't fruit at all. I now learned that they were all primacanes. So for next year, I should get tons of berries, right?

[@CaliKim29]

Great strategy to use clips on fence to max your space! This year don't trim them back quite so much, about 3-4 feet instead of 1 foot. A heavy layer of mulch will also help protect the roots over winter. Make sure to feed them with compost and organic fertilizer in spring. Keep me posted!

[@POLSKAdoBOJU]

@@CaliKim29 thanks for replying. I just spent three hours this afternoon pruning my out of control blackberry, because it's been unseasonably warm but will start to cool down tomorrow. So I left 5 canes about 3 feet high this year. My question is - any offshoots that eventually grow off those canes, will they be considered floracanes? And new primacanes will come from the ground and not be attached to the old canes? I also trimmed all the offshoots that were below the three feet, was this a good idea?

[@donnabarthau7178]

Hi! I'm in Ontario, Canada, Zone 5, nearing zone 4. It's spring now. Your video seems to advocate fall pruning....well, it's too late for that this year! I've heard the best time to prune is the spring.... so, any advice? Is it where we live that makes a difference if you do summer or fall pruning?

[@ceceliarecord296]

My 7 year old bought a blackberry plant with his own money this past spring. It has a few woody spikes at the bottom and one *extremely* long cane right up the middle. I’m talking like 10ft high (it’s in a pot and we’ve attached the stalk to a pole so it’s growing straight up). We didn’t get any fruit off of it this past season, but are hopeful for next summer. The plant seems like it’s starting to have trouble..so I was curious if it would be okay to prune it back now instead of waiting for winter?

[@CaliKim29]

That’s so sweet that your 7-year-old bought a blackberry plant! You can prune it now, especially if it seems like it’s struggling. Cutting back that long cane by a third to half its height can encourage new side shoots, which are where the fruit will form next year. Also, trimming it back can help the plant conserve energy for a healthy comeback next spring. Just make sure to give it a little TLC after pruning-like some compost or organic fertilizer-so it’s set up for success! Keep me posted and please be sure to like the video and subscribe if you have not already Cecelia ! (I can't always tell who has and has not!) What a great comment - I love these! Tell him CaliKim says hello! CK

[@braxtonvestal777]

We had tons when we first moved in. I was in a car accident and had to hire someone to mow my yard. They weeedeated most of them down. Im trying to figure out how to save the few brambles left

[@CaliKim29]

Oh, sorry to hear *and most importantly, are you doing ok? CK

[@fuubar21]

Great video! Very clear & concise. Thank you!

[@CaliKim29]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dalet7300]

Great video! Answered all the questions I had. 👌

[@CaliKim29]

Glad it helped! I hope you've subscribed if you have not already (I can't always tell who has). Appreciated, CaliKim

[@conniedavidson1807]

Will the canes pruned off root in water to start new plants?

[@CaliKim29]

Hi Connie, yes, the primocanes can root in water, or in soil. They often develop roots somewhere on the cane while they are still attached to the mother plant. An easier way to do it instead of rooting in water is just to stick the part of the cane with roots into the soil in my blackberry patch (secure with a landscape staple if needed), once the roots are established in the soil, cut the rooted cane from the mother plant and it will continue to grow into a new plant. Let me know how it goes for you - thanks for watching!

[@conniedavidson1807]

@@CaliKim29 I want to try rooting one. Do I need to wait till spring to plant the attached roots?

[@hollylc3847]

Why don't your blackberries have thorns? Mine are deadly! And thank you for this video!

[@CaliKim29]

It depends on the variety that you purchased. Mine are thornless variety: 'Apache,' 'Arapaho,' 'Navaho,' and 'Ouachita' are examples of thornless blackberries. These are widely available and favored by home gardeners and commercial growers for their ease of handling and high-quality fruit. And, now you know!! Hope this is helpful! CaliKim

[@rebeccalucyshyn9333]

So I'm a little confused as to when I exactly prune them - I am in Western New York - you mentioned Fall but when exactly? You also mentioned Spring so I wasn't sure?

[@CaliKim29]

In Western New York, the best time to prune your blackberries is in late fall, typically after the first frost but before the hard freezes set in. This is usually around late October to early November. At this time, the plants are going dormant, and it's easier to see the canes that need pruning. Here's what to do: Remove Dead Canes: Cut down the canes that have already fruited this year. These canes are usually brown and dry. Thin the Canes: If there are too many canes growing, thin them out to leave only the strongest, healthiest canes. Aim for about 4-6 canes per plant. Tip Pruning: If any of the remaining canes are particularly long, you can prune them back by a third to encourage more lateral growth next year. Make sure to clean up and dispose of the pruned canes to prevent any diseases from spreading. Let me know if this helps!!! CaliKim

[@zepguwlthistle7924]

so when do you prune? and what will happen when you prune primacane to 2 ft. and why not trellis them

[@CaliKim29]

You can let them sprawl or trellis them. I do it this way to manage space - so more of the plants energy can focus on fruit production on the flora cane. CK

[@chrisbarber6876]

We are near San Diego in Zone 10a. We have triple Crown thornless that produced very well this summer. We are trimming back now, but had concerns about trimming the floricane back. The floricane is 5 foot and then extends another 4 or 5 feet. Do we trim the whole 8 to 10 feet down to the ground?

[@CaliKim29]

Hey Chris! You’re in a great spot for growing Triple Crown thornless blackberries! After they finish fruiting, you can cut the floricanes (the ones that fruited this year) all the way down to the ground. They won’t fruit again, so trimming them back clears the way for the new canes (primocanes) that will fruit next year. It sounds like your floricanes are really long, so don’t worry-you can trim the whole 8-10 feet. Your blackberry patch will thank you next season!

[@joandanza]

Funny thing is the first paragraph you say in this video is don’t hack away and I’m hacking away as you said that. 😂

[@CaliKim29]

Joan that IS funny in a gardening kind of way! But that's how we ALL learn, right? Thanks for being honest! CK

[@pamelazurbrugg6824]

Why are my blackberries so tart? I’m pruning now! Great video 😊

[@CaliKim29]

Tart blackberries are often a result of the berries not being fully ripe when picked. Here are a few reasons why they might be tart and some tips to help sweeten them up in the future: Ripeness: Blackberries turn from red to a deep black color when ripe. However, the deep black color alone isn’t always an indicator of ripeness. The berries should be plump, slightly soft, and easily come off the plant when you pick them. If they’re still firm or require a lot of effort to pick, they might not be fully ripe. Weather Conditions: Blackberries need plenty of sunlight and warmth to develop their sugars. If the weather has been cooler or cloudy, the berries might not get enough sun, resulting in tartness. Soil Conditions: The soil's pH and nutrient levels can also affect the flavor of the berries. Blackberries prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5). Ensuring your soil is well-balanced with organic matter can help improve the taste of future crops. Variety: Some blackberry varieties are naturally more tart than others. If you prefer sweeter berries, you might want to explore different varieties known for their sweetness. Pruning Tips: When pruning, focus on removing old canes that have already fruited and any damaged or diseased canes. This will encourage new growth, which is vital for producing sweet, juicy berries next season. By giving your blackberries plenty of sun, ensuring proper ripeness before picking, and maintaining good soil conditions, you’ll likely see sweeter berries in the future! I hope this helps!! Kim

[@TheRooflesstoofless]

Going into my second year with my bushes. All the florocanes are full length because I didn’t know to do it before. Should I trim those back?

[@CaliKim29]

Yes, go for it!!! My apologies for the delay! CK

[@byronmartin57]

Thanks. It was very helpful

[@virginiasulesky984]

Can this be done mid winter??

[@POLSKAdoBOJU]

What happens if you leave the floracanes? Will they produce fruit in two years or just die off?

[@CaliKim29]

Hello! The floracanes will die off after producing, will not produce again. Pruning them removes the dead wood and directs plants energy into new fruiting canes for next season. Let me know how it goes! Thx for watching and please subscribe if you haven't already!

[@swe1979]

Can you grow blackberries in pots? So that they do not spread.

[@CaliKim29]

Yes, you can absolutely grow blackberries in pots! It’s a great way to keep them contained since they can be aggressive spreaders when planted in the ground. Just make sure to choose a large, sturdy pot (at least 15-20 gallons) with good drainage. Blackberries love full sun, so placing them in your south-facing front yard could give them a real boost. You’ll want to use a rich, well-draining soil mix and add some support like a trellis, since they tend to grow tall. I can tell....you're thinking about it!!!! LMK!!! CaliKim

[@swe1979]

@CaliKim29 yes I am thinking about it. I ordered blackberry plants. They are the columbia giant variety. They will arrive on the 9th

[@CaliKim29]

Exciting!!!!! Keep me posted!!! CK

[@swe1979]

My columbia giant blackberry plants got here yesterday. I am so excited to try growing a thornless variety. ​@CaliKim29

[@lynmoore8355]

Hey I just started watching you, went to this episode first cos I have my blackberry bush in a garden bed now and have an archway in there so it climbs from one archway to the other, had blackberries fir the first time last year, so then I pruned it right back and now this year it is grown and tripled it size......like OMG.... I have so many flowers and now blackberries, coming now, I am in Adelaide Australia, I have to be careful here and keep them in control as in Australia they are called am Adnoxius weed. Sad hey ... but looking forward to picking them probably in the coming weeks. oh BTW love your videos, I also have a small greenhouse which I have Tomatoes, capricums, and chillis in there. especially first time growing Scotch Bonnett which has taken me 2 years before they have started to flower.

[@CaliKim29]

Hi Lyn, wow, thanks for sharing your great pruning results - so fun to have all those berries. And those tomatoes and peppers - way to go! Thanks for stopping by! 🍅 Free $10 gift card to calikimgardenandhome.com when you pre-order my 2nd book: The First-Time Gardener: Raised Bed Gardening at calikimgardenandhome.com/books/. Email screen shot with proof of pre-order (PUT PRE-ORDER IN SUBJECT LINE) to [e-mail]. Thank you!

[@p0tato2.0]

We bought a blackberry bush this past spring, and literally all but a single branch died off when we transplanted it. No idea if the branch is a primocane or floricane. I felt bad giving up on it when the lone branch seemed to have a fighting spirit so I watered it a bit most days while watering everything else more deeply. We had a tropical depression come through and it rained for maybe 2-3 days and within a week there were 5 or 6 new primocane branches growing that were a foot long within a week, all are now well over 5'. It was wild. Is it normal for them to primarily be growing laterally as opposed to vertically? Should it grow more vertical branches? We plan to support it with a trellis next year. The plant had many more upright branches before most of it died, and it flowered and was bearing fruit, too. Did the plant just prune itself of the floricanes for us? 😂

[@CaliKim29]

Wow, your blackberry bush has really been through an adventure! Sounds like it wasn’t ready to give up just yet! 🌱 It’s pretty common for blackberries to surprise you with a burst of growth after some stress, like that tropical depression-it probably gave the roots the hydration boost they needed. Blackberry canes often grow laterally, especially primocanes, which is what it sounds like those new branches are. They’ll usually spread out more horizontally in their first year. Next year, once they become floricanes, they’ll focus on fruiting, and you may notice more vertical growth. It’s possible that the plant self-pruned, dropping those older floricanes (the ones that fruit), especially if they were stressed or damaged. The good news is that your new growth is a great sign! Once you get that trellis set up next year, you’ll have plenty of support to train those lateral branches. Looks like your blackberry bush is back in action! CK

[@p0tato2.0]

@@CaliKim29 really appreciate the time you took to respond. We're new to gardening in general and trying to learn from the myriad sources online, while there's a lot od great info, can be tough to parse through and really get the info we need. Fingers crossed for a healthy plant and a great harvest next year!

[@CaliKim29]

No worries! I do encourage you to keep doing your own research and also experiment in little doses, too! You'll learn a lot this way!! I can't tell if you have subscribed or not but that along with clicking the thumbs up on each video you watch is a huge help for my business!! Thank you! CK

[@williamcorbitt7060]

Great video! Do you have problems with birds and animals getting to your fruit?

[@CaliKim29]

Hi William - glad you enjoyed the video! We do have a ton of birds in our garden, but for some reason, last summer they left the berries alone - we got lucky! Thanks for watching! 🍅December SALE: 20% off CaliKim Seed Collections with code “thankyou” at calikimgardenandhome.com. Includes all 23 CaliKim Seed Collections, Book/Seed Bundles, CaliKim SmartPots, and salad in container kits. Free CaliKim goodie package (until they run out), with every order - Happy New Year from Jerry and I! Sale good til 12/31/21.

[@yvonnevigil7489]

You never answer my question . Can I plant more microgreens where they haven't grown in container.

[@CaliKim29]

Hello Yvonne, apologies I missed your question. Microgreens are so fun to grow! Yes, you can plant more microgreen seeds where they haven't grown in a container. Enjoy - thanks for watching!

[@lisabc99]

AUTUMN pruning, I presume!

[@marymccormick7806]

Just planted 4 (rasp) berries mid summer. (Zone 6) Know they took, got some new growth. Wait to start pruning process after 1st full season?

[@CaliKim29]

Hi Mary - yay for new berries - so glad they're growing. Go ahead and prune them now while they're dormant in winter. If they're under snow, just do when snow melts before they start flowering in spring. Since they didn't fruit last year, you don't have floracanes, so you'll tip prune the primocanes. If they're shorter than two feet, just cut a few inches off the tips to encourage new growth. Happy berry growing! 🍅December SALE: 20% off CaliKim Seed Collections with code “thankyou” at calikimgardenandhome.com. Includes all 23 CaliKim Seed Collections, Book/Seed Bundles, CaliKim SmartPots, and salad in container kits. Free CaliKim goodie package (until they run out), with every order - Happy New Year from Jerry and I! Sale good til 12/31/21.

[@marymccormick7806]

@@CaliKim29 Thanks for feedback. Was nervous about pruning 1st year. Will do! Happy New Year🎉

[@melissakingery4393]

Love it maybe I need to grow berries

[@CaliKim29]

Hi Melissa - you got to! Definitely one of my fav parts of gardening! Thanks for watching!

[@rosettamcfall8982]

Tysm for the info. U were easy to understand

[@CaliKim29]

YVW!! I hope you subscribe and follow along if you are not already! Just today I saw a Blackberry popping up in an area where I relocated them from! How exciting! Where are you from and what are you growing, Rosetta? CaliKim

[@KitchenGardeningwithMe]

Great info! Useful and awesome video👍

[@CaliKim29]

Hi Kitchen Gardening - Glad it was helpful - growing your own berries is so rewarding and the taste is out of this world! Thanks for watching!

[@deboz8793]

So, it’s my understanding that once the floracanes has produced fruit in the second year, they can be cut out at the base? And as for the primacanes, cutting them back to a couple of feet, they will produce more fruit just from those 2-feet? Also, once the primacanes becomes floracanes, will the new primacanes grow long enough to produce fruit in the second year? 🤔

[@CaliKim29]

Hello De - yes, floracanes die after they produce that second year, then should be pruned. Once the weather warms up, the pruned primocanes will start to grow again and will grow longer that the 2 foot pruned length. Pruning primocanes during winter or early spring before they flower encourages them to branch out with side shoots that can grow more berries, and sends plant's energy into flowering and fruiting. The second year they are called floracanes, once they are done fruiting that second year, they are pruned out and the cycle continues! I know it can be confusing, hope this helps! Thanks for watching!

[@deboz8793]

@@CaliKim29 Thank You! That makes sense now. Need to check my blackberry plant to see which one of the canes need pruned before springtime here in Central Ohio.

[@Krista1921]

The last couple of years I have had tiny worms in my blackberries. I do like to grow organic. What can I do to prevent this? Thank you.

[@CaliKim29]

Hi Krista, so frustrating when the worms eat your berries! I use a few products that work very well - Captain Jack's Dead Bug Brew (amzn.to/3GFx3od, for bugs on the plants), and Bug and Slug Killer ( amzn.to/3zR2OqL, for bugs that crawl on the ground, or are in the soil). Both are for organic gardening. Good luck!

[@Krista1921]

@@CaliKim29 Thanks for getting back to me. The worms are inside the berries.

[@arladeleon3806]

By blackberries are in pots. Are the pruning tips any different? Should I prune now, or wait till Spring? I'm in zone 9b/10a in SoCal.

[@CaliKim29]

Hi Aria - same pruning method applies for growing blackberries in containers. I'm in So Cal as well, now is a good time, as they are dormant in winter. In early spring, as temps heat up and primocanes begin to grow longer (and turn into floricanes, which will flower and fruit), prune the tips before flowering to encourage the canes to branch out, instead of growing super long as some of mine were in the video. Thanks for stopping by - enjoy your blackberries!

[@chrisbarber6876]

Should I also cut off the water?

[@CaliKim29]

Hey Chris! After you’ve cut the floricanes back, you can reduce the water, but don’t cut it off completely. The primocanes still need water to stay healthy and develop strong growth for next year’s fruiting season. Just scale back a bit since they’re not actively fruiting right now. Keep them hydrated, and you’ll be in good shape for next year!

[@melissiam6242]

Where did you get your loppers?

[@CaliKim29]

If it's not in the description - I don't remember! YIKES!! I'm so sorry! Kim

[@ADONAIsays-so]

Thanks Kim. I've read that a cane only produces fruit once. Do you know if this is correct? We still have a couple gallons of frozen berries from this last season. We had worked at weaving the cane thru our deck rails on our porch.

[@CaliKim29]

Hi Mr C - those summer grown berries are such a joy to pull out of the freezer in the winter! How fun to use your railing for a trellis! Yes, a cane only produces fruit once, then dies. These are the floracanes that I pruned down to the ground. The become dead wood, and need to be pruned off in the fall or winter so the plants energy goes into growing the primocanes that will produce fruit next summer. Thanks for watching! 🍅December SALE: 20% off CaliKim Seed Collections with code “thankyou” at calikimgardenandhome.com. Includes all 23 CaliKim Seed Collections, Book/Seed Bundles, CaliKim SmartPots, and salad in container kits. Free CaliKim goodie package (until they run out), with every order - Happy New Year from Jerry and I! Sale good til 12/31/21.

[@ADONAIsays-so]

Thanks so much Kim.

[@jeffkimble8857]

@@ADONAIsays-soThis is not true at all. It is 100% dependent on whether your plant is primocane fruiting or not. Some varieties of blackberries fruit on primocanes then fruit on the same cane the next year when the cane has transitioned to a floricane. The video incorrectly stated you could tell what was a primocane from floricane just by the new growth present and more green cane color on primocanes. While this generalization has some truth, it is not truly correct as floricanes can and do produce new green growth and this is common on primocane fruiting varieties. The best way to tell the difference between primocane versus floricane is the number of leaves and shorter internodal spacing. Primocanes have 5 leaves and greater internodal spacing, floricanes have 3 leaves and much closer spacing on nodes. You can determine if you have a primocane variety by the fact it produces fruit only at the tips of the canes and it produces fruit later in the summer. The process for pruning primocane plants is a bit more complicated than for floricane varietals.

[@shannonrhett3213]

Thank you for this video. I was just thinking about pruning my blackberry bush. My seedlings from your seed collection are doing great!

[@CaliKim29]

Hi Shannon - go for it, you'll be amazed at how many berries you'll get. So happy to hear that the seeds are growing well - thanks so much for your support of our seed shop! ❤️ 🍅December SALE: 20% off CaliKim Seed Collections with code “thankyou” at calikimgardenandhome.com. Includes all 23 CaliKim Seed Collections, Book/Seed Bundles, CaliKim SmartPots, and salad in container kits. Free CaliKim goodie package (until they run out), with every order - Happy New Year from Jerry and I! Sale good til 12/31/21.

[@ceecee-thetransplantedgardener]

Okay - so my initial bb planting in 2021 (bare root, thorn-less) - only grew one huge cane up the middle and a couple of small side shoots (about 12 inches). No flowers or fruit. What do I prune?

[@CaliKim29]

Hey Cee Cee - often bare roots don't produce the first year, prune now for some fruit this year. I'd prune off that huge cane down to 2 feet and snip off the tips of the side shoots. This will encourage more growth and flowering and fruiting come spring. Give it a nice dose of worm tea and organic granular fertilizer come spring and they should take off! Thanks for stopping by! 🍅December SALE: 20% off CaliKim Seed Collections with code “thankyou” at calikimgardenandhome.com. Includes all 23 CaliKim Seed Collections, Book/Seed Bundles, CaliKim SmartPots, and salad in container kits. Free CaliKim goodie package (until they run out), with every order - Happy New Year from Jerry and I! Sale good til 12/31/21.

[@ceecee-thetransplantedgardener]

@@CaliKim29 much obliged!

[@davidwyatt9757]

I had a friend tell me to cut all the prima cane down cause he thought it was an invasive species😢

[@CaliKim29]

It sounds like there may have been some confusion with your friend thinking the primocane was invasive. Primocanes are the first-year canes on biennial berry plants like raspberries and blackberries. These canes don’t usually produce fruit until their second year, when they’re called floricanes. So, cutting them all down might not be the best move, especially if you want a good harvest next year! If you're growing berries like raspberries, it’s important to know what type you have. Some varieties, like everbearing raspberries, produce fruit on the primocanes in their first year, so cutting them down would mean losing out on those fruits. If you want to manage their growth, regular pruning is better than cutting everything down. It’s a good idea to double-check the type of berries you’re growing before making any cuts! Sorry for the delay, we went out of town for a few days, David! CaliKim

[@kylelong2117]

Thanks for your information

[@CaliKim29]

So glad you enjoyed it - appreciate the visit, Kyle! Let me know if your're growing berries this spring! 🍅December SALE: 20% off CaliKim Seed Collections with code “thankyou” at calikimgardenandhome.com. Includes all 23 CaliKim Seed Collections, Book/Seed Bundles, CaliKim SmartPots, and salad in container kits. Free CaliKim goodie package (until they run out), with every order - Happy New Year from Jerry and I! Sale good til 12/31/21.

[@r.g8649]

I like 💕 blackberry pie 🥧😋

[@ronjohnston7]

I was visiting my son he had black berry plants I went picking getting all scratched up I noticed these long green branches so I cut them at berry plants to make it easier to pick. Well his wife came home saw branches in ground and said I ruined blackberries for next year. I wana leave now caused hard feeling with son wife. Hate trying to help. Won’t come back!

[@willpartee8535]

Try asking first.

[@lekhrajmukwana5356]

Love you ❤

[@e.t.preppin7084]

So you basically cut everything down to between ground level to 2 feet. How can you screw up just hacking away 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@CaliKim29]

oh you'd be surprised (but I get your point)...Thanks for watching and commenting - CK

[@janetgrooms4008]

Wow great information thanks

[@CaliKim29]

Glad it was helpful, Janet! Are you growing blackberries? Appreciate the visit!

[@janetgrooms4008]

Yes we are -- didn’t know how to prune many thanks 😊 we planted them fall 2020 in zone 6 b

[@janetgrooms4008]

@@CaliKim29 yes growing blackberries we planted last fall 2020

[@joyceread6759]

Annnnnnndddddd....... apparently you have thornless. Mines gonna be a little painful to prune.

[@saulibus1]

Thank you.

[@Asad-2166]

Thorns hurt😢

[@9dudley]

Huh? What? You just explained primacanes vs floricanes and then you said you’re gonna prune both. What is the point if you’re pruning them all?

[@CaliKim29]

Hello 9dudley: To clarify, primocanes are the first-year growth of raspberry and blackberry plants, typically producing fruit in their second year. Floricanes, on the other hand, are the second-year canes that bear most of the fruit, usually in late summer or fall. They are both pruned differently to maximize yield: primocanes require cutting back to encourage new growth, while floricanes are typically pruned after they bear fruit to promote healthier canes for the following season. For more detailed information on the differences and specific pruning methods for each type of cane, please watch the video again.

[@9dudley]

@@CaliKim29Thank you very much. I really appreciate the reply. I think I’m starting to catch on.