How To Transplant Blackberry Bushes

If you want to move your blackberry bushes to a better spot, you’re in the right place. Learning how to transplant blackberry bushes is a straightforward process that can save your plants and improve your harvest. Whether they’re getting too crowded, need more sun, or you’re simply redesigning your garden, this guide will walk you through every step. With the right timing and technique, your blackberries will settle into their new home and thrive for seasons to come.

Transplanting isn’t just about digging and moving. It’s about careful planning to minimize shock to the plant. The goal is to get those juicy berries growing strong again as quickly as possible. This section covers the core principles you need to understand before you grab your shovel.

When is the Best Time to Transplant Blackberries?

Timing is the most critical factor for success. Get this wrong, and the plant may struggle or even die.

Late Winter to Early Spring (Dormant Season): This is the ideal time. The plant is asleep, having lost its leaves, and its energy is concentrated in the roots and canes. Transplanting now causes minimal disruption. The cool, moist soil also helps new roots establish before summer heat arrives.
Fall (After Leaf Drop): This is a good second choice in milder climates. The soil is still warm, which encourages root growth, but the plant is heading into dormancy. Avoid fall transplanting in areas with harsh, early winters where the roots won’t have time to anchor.
Avoid Summer: Never transplant in summer. The plant is in full growth mode, losing water rapidly through its leaves. The shock of moving it in this state is often fatal.

Choosing and Preparing the New Planting Site

Don’t wait until the plant is out of the ground to figure out where it’s going. Prepare the new site a week or two in advance.

Sunlight: Blackberries demand full sun—at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for the best fruit production.
Soil: They prefer well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic pH (around 5.5-6.5). If your soil is heavy clay, amend it generously with compost or aged manure to improve drainage and fertility.
Space: Plan for space! Erect varieties need 3-4 feet between plants, while trailing types need 6-8 feet. Rows should be 8-10 feet apart. Good air circulation prevents disease.
Water Access: Make sure you can easily water the new location, as consistent moisture is key after transplanting.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

A sharp spade or shovel
Pruning shears (clean and sharp)
Gardening gloves (blackberry thorns are unforgiving)
A tarp or wheelbarrow for moving the plant
Compost or aged manure
Mulch (wood chips or straw)
A hose or watering can

Step-by-Step Transplanting Process

Step 1: Prune the Canes

Before you dig, prune the canes back significantly. This reduces the plant’s top growth, so it can focus its energy on regenerating roots. Cut all canes down to about 6-12 inches tall. It feels drastic, but it’s essential for a successful recovery.

Step 2: Dig Up the Blackberry Bush

Start digging a wide circle around the plant’s crown, at least 12-18 inches out. You want to preserve as much of the root ball as possible. Dig down deep, about 12 inches, to get under the main root mass. Gently work the spade underneath and lift the plant. Try to keep the root ball intact and moist.

Step 3: Prepare the New Planting Hole

The new hole should be twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. This loose soil around the sides makes it easy for new roots to spread. Mix some of the excavated soil with compost and put a layer of this mix in the bottom of the hole.

Step 4: Plant at the Correct Depth

Place the blackberry bush in the hole, ensuring the crown (where the roots meet the stems) is level with the surrounding soil surface. Planting too deep can cause rot. If the plant is a bare-root transplant (which you might have if you ordered online), spread the roots out over a small mound of soil in the hole.

Step 5: Backfill and Water Deeply

Fill the hole halfway with your soil-compost mix, then water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. After the water drains, fill the rest of the hole. Create a shallow basin around the plant to hold water. Give it another deep, slow watering.

Step 6: Mulch and Support

Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant, keeping it a few inches away from the canes themselves. Mulch conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperature. If you’re transplanting an erect or semi-erect variety, it’s a good time to install a trellis or support system.

Caring for Your Transplanted Blackberry Bushes

The first year after transplanting is about establishment. Your care focus shifts to root support.

Watering: This is non-negotiable. Keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy) for the entire first growing season. Deep watering once or twice a week is better than frequent light sprinkles.
Withhold Fertilizer: Do not fertilize at planting time or for the first few months. You can burn the new, tender roots. In late spring of the first year, a light application of balanced fertilizer is okay.
Weed Control: Keep the area around the plants free of weeds, which compete for water and nutrients. The mulch will help alot with this.
Patience with Fruit: The plant may not produce a normal harvest in the first season after transplant. It’s putting energy into roots. This is normal, and you’ll be rewarded with a bounty in the following years.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

Even with care, sometimes issues arise. Here’s what to watch for.

Wilting Leaves: This is common immediately after transplanting due to shock. Ensure consistent deep watering and provide temporary afternoon shade if it’s very sunny and hot.
Yellowing Leaves: Can indicate overwatering, poor drainage, or a nutrient deficiency. Check your soil moisture first before adding anything.
No New Growth: If the plant shows no signs of life by mid-spring, the transplant may have failed, possibly due to root damage, extreme weather, or disease. It’s sad, but sometimes you need to try again with a new plant.

FAQ: Your Transplanting Questions Answered

Can you transplant blackberry bushes in the spring?

Yes, early spring while the plant is still dormant is the perfect time. Avoid transplanting once new leaves have fully emerged and the plant is actively growing.

How do you dig up blackberry bushes for transplant?

Dig a wide, deep circle around the plant to preserve the root ball. Use a sharp spade and be gentle when lifting to minimize root breakage.

What is the best month to transplant blackberries?

Late winter or very early spring, just as the ground becomes workable but before bud break, is generally considered the best. In mild climates, late fall is also suitable.

Can you cut a blackberry bush in half and replant?

Not exactly “in half,” but you can divide large, mature crowns. When you dig up the plant, you can carefully use a sharp spade to split the root mass into two or more sections, each with healthy roots and canes. Replant each division immediately.

How deep are blackberry bush roots?

Most of the feeder roots are in the top 12 inches of soil, though the main taproot can go deeper. When digging, aim for a root ball at least 12 inches deep to get a good portion of the root system.

Transplanting blackberry bushes might seem like a big task, but by following these steps, you give your plants the best chance. Remember the golden rules: transplant when dormant, prune the canes hard, keep the roots moist, and water religiously afterward. With a little patience, you’ll enjoy the fruits of your labor—literally—for many years. Your garden’s layout is now just how you want it, and your blackberries are ready to grow even better than before.