Growing blackberries for commercial sales is time-consuming and labor-intensive; however with the right knowledge, it can be a very lucrative venture. In fact, according to Oklahoma State Cooperative Extension, blackberries are one of the easiest fruits to grow with one of the most dependable yields.
Instructions
1. Determine the classification of blackberry you want to grow. There are three classifications of blackberries: erect, semi-erect and trailing. Erect varieties stand tall with self-supporting canes, semi-erect varieties require stakes or trellises, and trailing varieties have no cane support and must be trellised.
2. Determine the variety of blackberry you want to grow. This decision will depend on things such as climate and soil type. Berries have been hybrid to grow in specific regions. You will need to choose a variety that will grow well and produce in your region.
3. Purchase certified disease-free blackberry plants for commercial enterprises.
4. Prepare the soil with the proper nutrients including ammonium nitrate. Blackberries like sandy soil, but will grow in almost any soil except clay.
5. Plant a cover crop in the area where your blackberries will be planted. Do this the year before you plant your blackberries. A cover crop reduces the weeds and increases organic matter. Cover crops include wheat and soy but should never include other fruits.
6. Research the blackberry market and look for a place to sell your fruit as close to home as possible. This will minimize transportation costs and provide you the opportunity to pick fruit when it is ripe thereby producing a better product for your customers.
7. Disk or harrow before planting to eradicate weeds.
8. Plow the ground to loosen the soil. Try to direct your rows in the north south direction to minimize sun scald and maximize fruit production on both the east and west sides of your plants.
9. Learn blackberry growth habits. There are books available as well as classes from the cooperative extension. These courses will help you to lean train your blackberries on trellises as well as prune your blackberry plants.
10. Water your blackberry plants using one inch of water for each week of the growing season for optimum growth.
11. Harvest commercial blackberries when they are fully ripened for local markets. For transport markets, pick blackberries when they have just turned from red and are a shiny black.
12. Harvest blackberries twice per week during harvest season picking the fruit in the morning when the temperature is cool.
13. Take to market immediately. Blackberries are perishable and delicate and must reach market in optimum condition.
Tags: blackberry plants, your blackberries, blackberries when, blackberries when they, blackberry want, blackberry want grow