Do Blackberries Grow on Trees? Clearing Up the Confusion

If you’ve ever wondered whether blackberries grow on trees, you’re not alone. Many people assume they do, often mistaking them for mulberries, which look similar but actually grow on trees. But here’s the truth: blackberries grow on bushes, not trees. They are part of the Rubus genus in the Rosaceae family and grow on thorny, trailing, or upright canes, not on towering tree branches.

This mix-up happens all the time. It’s easy to see a tree full of dark, juicy berries and assume it’s the same thing you’d find in a blackberry patch. But while mulberries (Morus species) grow on trees, blackberries develop on canes that need support, pruning, and care to thrive.

Why does this matter? Whether you’re a gardener, a forager, or just someone who loves fresh fruit, knowing the difference helps you grow, harvest, and enjoy blackberries the right way. In this guide, we’ll break it all down—covering how blackberries grow, the best ways to cultivate them, expert insights, and real-world experiences—so you’ll never have to wonder again.

Blackberry Plant Characteristics

Blackberries (Rubus fruticosus) are tough, resilient, and incredibly rewarding plants to grow. They’re perennial, meaning the roots live for many years, but their canes (the long, arching stems) follow a biennial cycle—they take two years to produce fruit before they die back. Here’s how it works:

The Blackberry Growth Cycle

1. First Year (Primocane Phase): New canes, called primocanes, grow from the plant’s base. They’re green, flexible, and covered in leaves, but they don’t produce fruit yet—just gathering energy for next year’s crop.
2. Second Year (Floricane Phase): In their second year, these same canes mature into floricanes. They turn woody, sprout flowers, and finally bear delicious fruit. Once the season ends, the floricanes die back and should be pruned away, making room for new primocanes to start the cycle again.

Different Types of Blackberry Plants

Not all blackberries grow the same way. They come in three main types:

• Trailing Varieties: These have long, vine-like canes that need trellising for support. They’re common in commercial farms and yield high-quality fruit. Examples: ‘Marion’ and ‘Boysenberry.’
• Erect Varieties: These grow upright and bushy, with sturdy canes that don’t need much support. They’re easier for home gardeners. Examples: ‘Navaho’ and ‘Arapaho.’
• Semi-Erect Varieties: A hybrid of the two—partially self-supporting but benefit from trellising for the best yield. Examples: ‘Triple Crown.’

Thorny vs. Thornless Blackberries

If you’ve ever picked wild blackberries, you know the struggle—those sharp thorns can leave you scratched and sore. Traditional varieties are thorny, making them less fun to harvest. Thankfully, breeders developed thornless varieties like ‘Chester’ and ‘Triple Crown,’ which offer all the flavour without the pain. They’re perfect for backyards and easier to maintain.

Whether you choose a thorny or thornless variety, blackberries reward you with fresh, sweet fruit every summer, perfect for eating fresh, making jams, or baking into cobblers.

Learn More: Do Pineapples Grow on Trees?

The Science Behind Blackberry Growth

Blackberries thrive in temperate climates with well-drained soil. Their preferred conditions include:

Factor	Ideal Condition
Soil pH	5.5 – 6.5
Sunlight	Full sun (6-8 hours daily)
Watering	1-2 inches per week
Climate	USDA Zones 4-10
Pollination	Self-fertile but benefits from bees

Why These Conditions Matter

• Soil pH: Blackberries prefer slightly acidic soil. If the soil is too alkaline, they struggle to absorb nutrients properly.
• Sunlight: Like most fruiting plants, blackberries need a good amount of sun to develop sweet, plump berries.
• Watering: Consistent moisture is key, but they don’t like soggy roots. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
• Climate: They do best in temperate zones, but some varieties tolerate warmer or cooler regions.
• Pollination: While they’re self-fertile, bees help boost fruit production, leading to larger harvests.

Scientific Research on Blackberry Cultivation

Recent studies have provided valuable insights into blackberry cultivation, particularly concerning soil management and plant-microbe interactions.

• Impact of Organic Fertilizers on Blackberry Growth: A study published in HortTechnology examined the effects of different organic fertilizers on blackberry cultivars during their establishment phase. The research found that while all cultivars responded similarly to the fertilizers used, the cost-effectiveness varied significantly. Notably, the cost per pound of nitrogen was $8.16 for a liquid fish and molasses blend, $5.35 for a pelletized soy meal, and $2.54 for a pelletized, processed poultry litter.
• Role of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) in Blackberry Cultivation: Research published in HortScience investigated the influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on blackberry plants. The study demonstrated that inoculating blackberry plants with AMF enhanced their growth and positively affected physiological traits. These findings suggest that mycorrhization could be a viable method to prepare micropropagated blackberry plantlets for ex vitro conditions, potentially accelerating their growth for field transplantation.

The Confusion: Blackberries vs. Mulberries

One reason people mistakenly think blackberries grow on trees is because of mulberries (Morus spp.). Mulberries look quite similar to blackberries at first glance, but they grow on trees instead of bushes or canes. Let’s break down the key differences:

Feature	Blackberries (Rubus fruticosus)	Mulberries (Morus spp.)
Growth Type	Bushy canes, perennial	Deciduous tree
Fruit Type	Aggregated drupelets	Multiple fruit
Common Species	‘Triple Crown,’ ‘Marion’	White, Red, and Black Mulberry
Habitat	Temperate, USDA Zones 4-10	Warmer zones, USDA 5-9

Mulberries tend to be sweeter and juicier than blackberries but can also be messier—those with mulberry trees in their yards are familiar with the staining caused by fallen berries. Unlike blackberries, which grow on bushes, mulberries can reach significant heights, making them more challenging to harvest.

If you ever hear someone mention a “blackberry tree,” they are likely referring to a mulberry tree. While both fruits are delicious and nutrient-rich, they belong to entirely different plant families. Understanding these distinctions is key to avoiding confusion.

Real-World Experiences: Insights from Growers

Story 1: A Forager’s Confusion

Foragers often confuse mulberries with blackberries due to their similar appearance. This confusion is common, as both fruits are composed of aggregated drupelets. Such experiences highlight the importance of understanding plant morphology for accurate fruit identification. Recognizing these botanical differences is essential for safely foraging edible fruits in the wild.

Story 2: The Hydroponic Blackberry Pioneer

In Australia, agricultural researcher Nicola-Anne Mann explored intensive berry production using hydroponic systems. Her studies focused on the potential of growing berries, including blackberries, in substrates and controlled environments like greenhouses. This research aimed to determine whether such methods could enhance yield and fruit quality compared to traditional soil cultivation.

Expert Opinions on Blackberry Growth

Dr. Ryan Dickson, an assistant professor at the University of Arkansas, specializes in hydroponic and container-crop production in controlled environments. His research involves evaluating blackberry cultivars grown in substrates using long-cane techniques. Dickson’s work aims to optimize yields and schedule crops for off-season harvests, demonstrating the viability of soilless blackberry cultivation.

Additionally, a response from the “Ask Extension“ service highlights that hydroponic blackberry cultivation offers benefits such as high production intensity, yield stability, and faster fruit ripening. These advantages result from providing optimal growth conditions and reducing plant stress.

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How to Successfully Grow Blackberries

Step 1: Selecting the Right Variety

First things first—choose the right type of blackberry for your needs. If you’re after high yields, varieties like ‘Marion’ or ‘Black Satin’ are fantastic options. They produce a generous amount of fruit and are loved by commercial growers and home gardeners alike.

If you’d rather skip the hassle of dealing with thorns, go for thornless varieties like ‘Triple Crown.’ They’re much easier to manage and still give you an abundant harvest.

Short on space? No problem! Dwarf, container-friendly varieties like ‘Baby Cakes’ are perfect for patios or small gardens. You can enjoy fresh blackberries without needing a huge backyard.

Step 2: Site Preparation

Once you’ve picked the right blackberry variety, it’s time to set them up for success.

• Sunlight is key – Blackberries love full sun, so choose a spot where they’ll get at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Well-drained soil is a must – These plants don’t like sitting in soggy soil. If your soil holds too much water, consider raising your beds or adding organic matter like compost to improve drainage.
• Trellising helps – If you’re growing trailing or semi-erect varieties, installing a trellis will make harvesting easier and keep the plants healthier.

Step 3: Planting and Care

• Spacing matters – Give each plant about 3–4 feet of space to grow.
• Water consistently – Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. About 1–2 inches of water per week is ideal.
• Mulching is your friend – Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots from temperature fluctuations.

Step 4: Pruning and Maintenance

• Remove dead floricanes – Once a cane has produced fruit, it won’t fruit again. Cut it back to encourage new growth.
• Summer pruning is key – Trim primocanes (first-year canes) in the summer to promote lateral branching, which leads to more fruit.
• Train your canes – If you’re using a trellis, tie the canes to keep them upright, improving air circulation and making harvesting easier.

Conclusion: What You Need to Remember

So, do blackberries grow on trees? No, they grow on canes, not trees. The confusion likely stems from mulberries, which resemble blackberries but belong to an entirely different genus.

By understanding the proper way to grow and maintain blackberries, gardeners can maximize fruit yield and quality. Whether you’re a backyard grower or a commercial farmer, following best practices such as choosing the right variety, proper pruning, and adequate soil care will ensure a bountiful harvest.

Actionable Takeaways

• Recognize the difference between blackberries and mulberries.
• Choose the right blackberry variety for your climate and space.
• Provide proper care through soil preparation, watering, and pruning.
• Expect seasonal growth cycles and be patient for the second-year harvest.

By keeping these insights in mind, you’ll be well on your way to successfully growing delicious, juicy blackberries—no trees required!