How to Grow Blackberry in Australia
A cool-season fruit for the long-term patch
Growing your own Blackberry is one of the more satisfying things you can do in an Australian backyard. It is rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$5-10/punnet, thornless varieties are easy and incredibly productive.
This guide covers when to plant Blackberry in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to plant it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Blackberry is a cool-season crop, fully frost-hardy. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is best planted in June, July and August. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Varieties to Try
Waldo
Thornless, compact, trailing habit. Sweet medium berries. Very manageable and productive. Good for smaller gardens.
Try: Daleys Fruit, Flemings, specialist nurseries
Chester
Thornless, semi-erect. Large sweet berries. Heavy cropper. Cold-hardy. One of the most productive thornless varieties.
Try: Daleys Fruit, Flemings
Position and Soil
Give Blackberry full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 5.5 to 6.5. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 40cm+ with trellis, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Planting
Plant Blackberry into a well-prepared hole the same depth as the rootball and twice as wide. Allow about 150 cm between plants (more for full-size trees) so each has room and airflow. Water in well, stake if needed, and keep the area weed-free while it establishes.
IMPORTANT: Wild blackberry is a declared noxious weed across all Australian states. Only grow thornless cultivated varieties. Buy from a reputable nursery. Plant bare-root in winter. Thornless varieties are manageable, productive and legal. Train canes along a trellis or wire. Primocane varieties fruit on new wood. Prune spent canes after harvest. Easy to grow and very productive.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 8 L per plant every 3 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Birds, Fruit fly, Spider mite and Aphids. The main diseases to watch are Botrytis, Rust, Anthracnose and Root rot. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Blackberry is typically ready to harvest within roughly 12 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer). Fridge for 2-3 days. Freeze in a single layer for months.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, blackberry is good eaten fresh straight from the plant, made into jam, jelly and cordial, baked into pies, crumbles and muffins and frozen for smoothies and baking. Nutritionally: extremely high in antioxidants and anthocyanins and rich in vitamins C and K.
Companion Planting
Blackberry grows well alongside Tansy, Borage, Marigold and Nasturtium. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Blackberry Growing
Add blackberry to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Blackberry in Australia?
Blackberry is a cool-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is best planted in June, July and August. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Blackberry take to grow?
Blackberry is generally ready to harvest within roughly 12 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer).
Can I grow Blackberry in a pot?
Yes. Blackberry grows well in a container of 40cm+ with trellis with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Blackberry need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Blackberry in the Plant Library
