When to Plant Blackberries in Texas

Blackberries (Rubus fruticosis) will grow well in most parts of Texas. They are best planted in winter as root cuttings or bare root plants. Texas A&M University has developed several cultivars specifically for growing in Texas and recommends several more developed by the University of Arkansas.

Climate and Recommended Cultivars

Blackberries grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 9, which includes all of Texas except the Brownsville area in the southern tip of the state, which is in USDA zone 10a. The varieties that grow best in Texas are hybrid varieties developed from domestic and wild blackberry types.

Thorny Varieties

Developed and released by Texas A&M University:

• Early to ripen ‘Brazos’ (Rubus fruticosis ‘Brazos’) has been the standard blackberry in Texas since it was introduced in 1959.
• ‘Rosborough’ (Rubus fruticosis ‘Roseborough’), introduced in 1977, yields larger, sweeter berries than ‘Brazos’ and is the best early maturing blackberry for South Central and East Texas.
• ‘Womack’ (Rubus fruticosis ‘Womack’) is similar to 'Rosborough' with smaller berries and is the cultivar of choice for deep, sandy soil.
• ‘Brison’ (Rubus fruticosis ‘Brison’) has large blackberries similar to ‘Rosborough’ and is the best choice if you live in South-Central Texas or have clay or black land soils.

Thornless Varieties

Developed by the University of Arkansas.

• ‘Arapaho’ (Rubus fruticosis ‘Arapaho’) yields quality blackberries over a month-long season and is best suited to areas south of Dallas and north of Corpus Christi.
• ‘Navaho’ (Rubus fruticosis ‘Arapaho’) is difficult to grow from root cuttings. It yields more berries than ‘Arapaho’ but should only be grown in areas of Texas north of Lubbock.
• ‘Quachita’ (Rubus fruticosis ‘Quachita’) produces a heavy yield but grows only in warmer parts of South Texas.

Sun and Soil

Blackberries grow best in full sun and sandy soil. Blackberries will grow in a wide range of soils as long as they have a pH of 4.5 to 7.5, are least 12 inches deep and drain. They grow best in sandy. They like full sun.

How to Plant

Root Cuttings

Root cuttings are both dug and planted in the winter.

Bare Root Plants

Bare root plants are also planted in the winter. Keep the roots moist until you plant them. If you have to delay planting, store them in the refrigerator or stash them in a trench and cover with damp soil.

Space erect cultivars from 2 to 4 feet apart. Space trailing cultivars from 3 to 5 feet apart. Allow 10 to 15 feet between rows.

Fertilizer and Water

Do not fertilize either root cuttings or bare root blackberries when you plant them.

In late spring or summer apply 4 ounces of 10-10-10 slow-release fertilizer per plant in an 18-inch-wide ring surrounding the plant. Water thoroughly.

Keep the soil most but not soggy as the cuttings or bare root plants grow.