Unlock the Secret to Growing Blackberries Year-Round Indoors with This Innovative Technique
Blackberries are a delightful and healthy treat that can be relatively easy to cultivate, making them a fantastic addition to any garden or landscape. While traditionally grown outdoors, providing fresh fruit in late summer and fall, with the right conditions, it is also possible to grow blackberries indoors and enjoy fresh fruit directly from the vine throughout the year. Below, seasoned berry growers share their expert tips for successfully growing blackberries indoors.
Get to Know the Experts:
– Marvin Pritts, horticulture professor at Cornell University
– David T. Handley, vegetable and small fruit specialist at the University of Maine Extension
Blackberry Varieties Suitable for Indoor Growing:
According to Marvin Pritts, most blackberry varieties in catalogs are not suited for indoor cultivation due to their chilling requirement and need for short-day exposure to initiate flower buds. However, newer varieties like Freedom, Traveler, and Horizon from the University of Arkansas can fruit on first-year canes without the need for chilling temperatures or short-day exposure, making them ideal for indoor growing.
Planting Timing:
Light is a critical factor for indoor cultivation, so spring planting is recommended to take advantage of the most available light. After fruiting in late summer or early fall, prune the canes to the top of the pot for year-round regrowth. To prevent regrowth during low-light winter months, move pots (sans canes) outside or into a garage, then bring them back inside in spring for optimal growth.
Care Guidelines:
For blackberries to thrive indoors and produce fruit year-round, they require optimal care:
– Sunlight: Provide full sun exposure by placing potted plants near a window for six to eight hours of sunlight daily.
– Temperature: Maintain indoor temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with high humidity during flowering to ensure proper fruit development.
– Water: Adjust watering frequency as the plant grows, watering once or twice daily for small containers and less for larger pots.
– Soil: Use a soilless potting mix with good drainage and water-holding capacity, such as a blend of horticultural peat moss or coconut coir to perlite in a 2:1 ratio.
By following these expert tips and providing the proper growing conditions, you can successfully cultivate blackberries indoors and enjoy fresh fruit year-round.
“Blackberry plants,” states David T. Handley, an expert in vegetables and small fruits at the University of Maine Extension. Fertilizer: Incorporating a slow-release fertilizer into the potting mix before planting is essential to ensure the necessary nutrients are available for the growth and health of your berries. Examples of slow-releasing all-purpose fertilizer blends include combinations such as crustacean meal with langbeinite or neem cake with rock phosphate. Tip: A blackberry plug refers to a young blackberry plant grown in a small soil plug, while a blackberry crown is the part of the plant where the roots and cane meet at ground level. Container Size: The size of the container required for growing blackberries will vary based on the initial plant size, according to Handley. A 1-gallon pot is typically adequate for a small plug, but it should be transferred to a 3-gallon pot the following year. For dormant crowns or long-cane plants, it is recommended to plant directly into a 3-gallon pot. Pollination: Pollinating indoors can be a challenge due to the lack of bees or wind to distribute pollen, but it can be done manually. Pritts suggests using a paintbrush to transfer pollen between flowers to mimic bee pollination. Tip: Provide sufficient space for blackberry plants grown indoors, as their canes can grow significantly longer indoors than outdoors. Regular pinching and pruning are necessary to control growth. To plant blackberries indoors, obtain plants from a reliable nursery to avoid viruses. Here are the steps recommended by experts: – Add a layer of gravel at the pot’s base for weight and drainage. – Pre-moisten potting media by adding water until slightly moist. – Fill the pot halfway with media, place the plug or crown, then fill the rest of the pot and gently firm the media around the root ball. – Ensure the media covers the root ball for plugs and the crown for dormant canes. – Leave space at the pot’s top to prevent water runoff. Harvesting Blackberries: Unlike raspberries, blackberries do not separate easily from the core when ripe. Handley explains that ripe blackberries transition from green to red to black and sweeten further after turning fully black. When ready, the fruit dulls slightly, and the berry detaches easily from the stem or calyx with a light twist and tug. Harvest regularly as blackberries do not ripen once picked.
According to Handley, it’s best to harvest blackberries when they are fully ripe to prevent them from dropping off the canes quickly. Since blackberries have a short shelf life, it is recommended to refrigerate them after harvesting.
Are blackberries prone to pests and diseases?
While growing blackberries indoors can help reduce the risk of pests and diseases, they are still susceptible. Common issues include aphids, spider mites, and fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
Do indoor-grown blackberries need to be trellised?
Erect varieties do not require trellising, but trailing and semi-erect varieties may need support.
Should I use grow lights for my blackberry plant?
If your indoor blackberry plant doesn’t receive enough natural light, you can supplement with grow lights. Aim for six to eight hours of light per day.
For more information, you can refer to the original article on Martha Stewart.
