If you’re wondering when to plant blackberries in Colorado, timing is everything for success. Our state’s unique climate presents specific challenges, but with the right schedule, you can grow a productive patch.
This guide gives you the expert Colorado gardening advice you need. We’ll cover the best planting windows, variety selection, and care tips tailored to our high plains and mountain conditions.
When to Plant Blackberries in Colorado
The ideal time to plant blackberries in Colorado is in the early spring, as soon as the ground is workable. This is typically from late April to mid-May, depending on your elevation.
Spring planting allows the roots to establish during the cooler, wetter months before summer’s heat arrives. You can also plant in early fall, about 4-6 weeks before the first hard frost, so the plants settle in before winter dormancy.
Why Colorado’s Climate Demands Careful Timing
Colorado’s weather is famously variable. Late spring frosts, intense sun, and dry winds can stress new plants. Planting at the correct time gives them the best chance to survive these extremes.
Our soil is often clay-heavy or sandy, affecting how plants establish. Proper timing, combined with soil prep, is the key to strong roots.
Choosing the Right Blackberry Varieties
Not all blackberries are suited for Colorado. You need cold-hardy, often thornless types that can handle our winters and shorter growing season.
- Prime-Ark® Freedom: A thornless, primocane-bearing type that fruits on first-year canes. It’s a good choice for areas with shorter seasons.
- Chester Thornless: Exceptionally winter hardy and reliable, with large, sweet fruit. It’s a top recomendation for beginners.
- Triple Crown: Known for its vigor and great flavor, though it may need some winter protection in colder zones.
- Native Blackberries: Species like Rubus deliciosus (Boulder Raspberry) are perfectly adapted but produce smaller fruit.
Always check with your local nursery for varieties proven in your specific microclimate. They have the best expert Colorado gardening advice for your area.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
1. Site Selection and Preparation
Blackberries need full sun—at least 6-8 hours daily. Choose a site with good air circulation to prevent disease but sheltered from our strongest winds.
They prefer well-drained soil. If you have heavy clay, amend it generously with compost or well-rotted manure. Raised beds are an excellent solution for poor drainage.
2. Planting Your Blackberries
- Soak Roots: Before planting, soak bare-root plants in water for 1-2 hours.
- Dig Hole: Make the hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
- Amend Soil: Mix the excavated soil with compost.
- Position Plant: Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown (where stem meets roots) is level with the soil surface. For potted plants, keep it at the same depth it was in the container.
- Backfill and Water: Fill the hole, gently firm the soil, and water thoroughly to settle and eliminate air pockets.
3. Spacing and Support
Space plants 3-5 feet apart in rows 8 feet apart. Install a trellis or support system at planting time. A simple T-trellis with wires at 3 and 5 feet high works perfectly and keeps fruit off the ground.
Essential Care After Planting
Watering
Consistent moisture is vital, especially in Colorado’s dry air. Water deeply 1-2 times per week, aiming for about 1-2 inches of water. Drip irrigation is ideal to keep foliage dry and prevent disease.
Mulch heavily with 3-4 inches of wood chips or straw to retain moisture and suppress weeds. This is non-negotiable in our climate.
Fertilizing
In spring, apply a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) as new growth emerges. Avoid over-fertilizing, which leads to excessive leafy growth instead of fruit. A second light application after harvest can be beneficial for some varieties.
Winter Protection
In many parts of Colorado, winter protection is needed. After the first hard frost, mound 3-4 inches of soil or mulch over the crown. For trailing varieties, carefully bend canes to the ground and cover with straw or row cover fabric.
In spring, after the danger of severe frost has passed, remove the mulch from the crowns to prevent rot.
Pruning for Colorado Success
Pruning seems complicated but is straightforward. Floricane-bearing varieties (fruit on second-year canes) require you to remove all canes that have fruited immediately after harvest. Leave the new green primocanes, which will fruit next year.
For primocane-bearing types, you can mow all canes down in late winter for a fall crop, or do selective pruning for two harvests. Proper pruning improves air flow and fruit size, which is crucial in our sometimes humid summer pockets.
Common Pests and Problems
Thankfully, blackberries have few major pest issues in Colorado. Keep an eye out for:
- Japanese Beetles: Hand-pick them off plants in the morning.
- Spider Mites: A problem in hot, dry weather. A strong spray of water can dislodge them.
- Cane Borers: Look for wilted tips and prune several inches below the affected area.
- Powdery Mildew: Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Birds might be your biggest competitor. Use netting as fruit begins to ripen to protect your harvest.
FAQ: Your Colorado Blackberry Questions Answered
Q: Can I grow blackberries in high-altitude Colorado gardens?
A: Yes, but choose the most cold-hardy varieties and be prepared to offer significant winter protection. Spring planting is essential at higher elevations.
Q: How long until I get a harvest?
A: You may get a small harvest in the second year. Plants typically reach full production by their third or fourth year after planting.
Q: Do I need to plant more than one blackberry bush?
A: Most modern varieties are self-fruitful, so you only need one plant to get fruit. However, planting more than one can improve pollination and extend your harvest season.
Q: What’s the difference between planting in spring vs. fall?
A: Spring is safest, giving plants a full season to establish. Fall planting can work in warmer zones (5-7) but requires careful mulching to protect against heaving from freeze-thaw cycles.
Q: Why did my blackberries not survive the winter?
A: The likely culprits are a lack of hardiness in the chosen variety, insufficient winter protection, or planting in a site with too much winter wind exposure. Selecting a sheltered site is just as important as choosing the right plant.
Growing blackberries in Colorado is a rewarding endevor. By planting at the right time, choosing tough varieties, and providing consistent care, you’ll be enjoying homegrown berries for years to come. Remember to connect with your county extension office for localized expert Colorado gardening advice, as conditions can vary greatly from one town to the next.