Blackberry is a perennial shrub of the genus Rubus in the Rosaceae family. Its medicinal properties have been known since ancient times, but it has been widely used in private gardening relatively recently. In the article you will find answers to questions about when this crop begins and how often it bears fruit.
What year bears fruit after planting
Unlike currants, honeysuckle, viburnum or gooseberries, blackberries and raspberries - plants with "replaceable" shoots with a two-year development cycle. Since shoots are responsible for fruiting, its beginning falls on the second year of their growth and does not depend on the time of planting a seedling or the age of the bush itself.
In the first year of development, the blackberry branches grow and gain strength, in the second they bear fruit, and in the third they dry out, giving way to the following branches under the sun.
How many times in life
The root of the plant is perennial and is able to reproduce shoots for 15, and under good conditions, and more than years. And during this period, the plant will yield stably.
Did you know? Irish people living on the Isle of Man still have a belief that the first and last blackberries should be left to fairies (pixies). If this is not done, then the fabulous folk will spoil the rest of the crop with insect larvae.
The frequency of fruiting in a year depends on the variety. So, repairing varieties give two crops on one shoot. For the first time in August or early September, the vines that appeared in the current year bear fruit - the berries are formed in their upper part. In the second year of development, the shoots will bear fruit in their middle part. Berries of early varieties ripen in June, medium ones in July, and late ones in August.
In nature, for the entire growth period, the root system depletes the soil beneath itself, as a result of which the shoots become weaker and the bush dies. But the branches of the blackberry can take root anywhere where the soil touches. therefore for the entire period of life, one plant manages to create many new shrubs, both by rooting the vines, and due to the development of the root system and the appearance on it of new shoots away from the main bush.
Important! Blackberry berries have antipyretic properties and are recommended for colds and diseases of the upper respiratory tract. But there are many of them at a time impossible because of the pronounced diuretic properties.
Maximum fruiting
The yield of varieties listed in the State Register is in the range from 20 kg / ha to 99 kg / ha. Gardeners report that on average they harvest 2–4 kg of berries per 1 m² of area. With excellent irrigation and regular fertilizing, this figure can be up to 8 kg / m², but it will not be possible to get it in every area, even with highly productive varieties. As for the weight of the berries, they weigh about 4-5 g, are distinguished by their one-dimensionality and excellent sweet and sour taste.
On which branches it bears fruit
Blackberry fruiting occurs on the side branches of the bush. Berry ripening will last for 2-3 weeks. First, the upper ones begin to ripen, then the middle and lower berry tiers gradually ripen.
A healthy and strong bush is the key to a good harvest. Compliance with the basic rules of agricultural technology when growing blackberries guarantee you receive it. Pick up an unpretentious high-yielding variety and grow on the garden plot, if there is enough space there. Its healthy berries will occupy a worthy place in your menu.
