How to Grow Blackberry Plants in Pots

When to Plant: autumn
At Its Best: late summer to early fall
Time to Complete: 1 hour

Materials Needed:

• blackberry plant ('Loch Maree' used here)
• large pot
• soil-based potting mix

• broken clay pot pieces
• stakes or trellis for support

Plant Up and Feed

Place the clay pieces in the bottom of the container to aid drainage and to prevent the holes from blocking up. Fill with soil and plant. Most soil contains enough nutrients for the first few months, but in summer in subsequent years apply a tomato feed every week to promote flowering and fruiting.

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Tie In Stems

Blackberries produce long canes that need tying in. Insert a few strong stakes into the soil or place the container up against a sturdy trellis. When tying, create a "figure-eight" so that the stem doesn't make direct contact with the support, which could lead to rubbing and the creation of wounds.

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Pruning and Caring

Blackberries always fruit on the previous year's stems, so just after you have harvested your crop, remove any stems that have fruited by cutting them at their base. Tie any new stems into the supports; these should fruit the following year. Replace the top layer of potting mix every spring.

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