THORNLESS BLACKBERRY - 9FR45-

Soil Selection and Exposure

Blackberries prefer light, well-ventilated, organic, humus-rich, and slightly acidic soils (optimal pH 6.2-6.5) and are less demanding than raspberries. If the soil is not ideal, it can be improved by creating a 30 cm-deep mound of soil. Sunny exposure is preferable in east-to-west rows; the planting should be designed so as not to be exposed to prevailing winds.

Soil Preparation and Fertilization

Preparation should be done with the soil tempered, preferably in autumn. For this type of cultivation it is preferable to use mulch (polyethylene sheets or Biotelo) to contain weeds. Before planting, incorporate 4-8 kg of mature manure per square meter or potting soil together with 40 g/m2 of complex mineral fertilizer.

Pot cultivation

Blackberries can also be grown in a pot containing at least 30 liters of peat or highly permeable soil with a pH of 6.5. Nutrition can be ensured by fertigation, if available, or by applying a slow-release fertilizer such as Osmocote in the spring.

Plantation

Pot-grown plants can be planted practically year-round. The classic planting seasons remain November for central and southern Italy, and spring for northern regions. The recommended spacing is 1 m between plants in a row, 2-2.5 m between rows, i.e., 1 plant per 2 m2 of surface area.

Irrigation

It is important not to wet the flowers and fruit, to avoid the development of mold; It is therefore recommended to use a drip system or drip line placed on the ground or under mulch.

Pruning

Spring Fertilization

As a guideline, given the varying nature of growing soils, you can apply a complex fertilizer with a strength such as Compo Blu, average dose: 50-80 g/m² , to be applied at the end of May. Towards the end of July, apply another fertilization with a dosage equal to half the previous one.