I'm thinking of getting some blackberry plants(maybe the thornless Triple Crown variety). Will they do well and produce fruit here in Denton, TX? Does anyone recommend a certain kind? I really love them but the organic ones in the store are so expensive and the other cheaper ones are possibly full of pesticides. Thinking growing my own might be worthwhile. What do you think? Oh, and where is a good place to order them?
Karen
Blackberry Plants...will they do well in north TX?
Blackberries will do very well for you in north Texas - look at the varieties recommended by TAMU for your region. I grow Brazos and a few others - (I'd have to check the tags and I'm too lazy right now). I get mine from the local nurseries and they do very well - you can google for other sources or check the Garden Watchdog for mail order, but the varieties recommended for Texas are normally available in very early spring at local garden centers.
Just make certain that you plant your blackberries in an area where they can grow and spread for years, and keep them away from formal planting areas or garden beds. A "blackberry patch" in a sunny far corner of your property is perfect. Keep old depleted canes pruned out each year so the area doesn't get overgrown, and prune new canes in fall and again in spring to maximize the number of berries on side shoots. They really do taste better since you can allow them to ripen fully. Have fun! Anne
Thanks, Anne....I do appreciate your help. Do you grow any thornless varieties? I read somewhere that if the blackberries don't have thorns, don't bother to grow them in Texas.
Yes - I grow the thornless Arapaho - it may just be me, but I think many of the thorned varieties are tastier. Here's a link to varieties recommended for our region: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/fruit/blackberries/blackberries.html
I'm curious about the Humble variety - I've never seen it offered for sale. Might be worth ordering online for a trial. Good Luck!
My mother (in Fort Worth) has been very successful with both the Arapaho and Navaho thornless varieties. Navaho ripens later than the Navaho, thus extending the picking season. She has two bushes of each. And they definitely do take up room because they have done so well. I just planted one of each this year so no berries until next summer. Mom had better share!