Brazos Blackberry, Rubus
History / Habitat and Distribution: Blackberry in the genus Rubus is widespread throughout most of the temperate regions of the world. Brazos Blackberry is an erect thorned variety from Texas A&M released in 1959. It has been the standard in Texas for 35 years.
Description: Blackberry cultivars are categorised as erect, semi-erect, or trailing. Brazos blackberry bushes are erect, very vigorous, upright growers that are productive and resistant to pests and diseases. It’s a large thorned cane that produces a high yield of large fairly firm blackberry fruit. Brazos blackberry fruit is large and juicy. It has a sweet flavor with floral tones and a soft thin skin.
Cultivation: Blackberries grow fast and can be grown anywhere in Zone 7 or higher. They grow best in sandy soils but can be grown in any soil that is at least one foot deep, has good drainage and a ph range of 5.0 to 7.0. On alkaline soils above 8.0, plants will experience iron chlorosis which is corrected with soil applications of Fe 138 Iron Chelate or foliar iron sprays. If internal soil drainage is not fast, grow blackberries in a raised bed. Irrigation is essential for new plantings and mature bearing plants. Rainfall or irrigation will be needed weekly. While the Brazos variety is erect, it does well with some sort of trellising. It is self-fertile so no pollinator is needed. Blackberries are biennials and begin bearing fruit the year after planting. Plants will grow 4-6 feet tall. Although blackberry roots are perennial, the tops are biennial. Prima canes are produced the first year and are vegetative growth only. Cut prima canes back when they reach 36 to 48" to encourage branching. Floricanes are the second year of the biennial cycle and bloom in late spring. The fruit ripens in early summer. After fruiting, the floricanes will die and should be cut to the ground. Pruning is necessary to maintain an orderly planting and control diseases.
Comments: Plants bearing thorns are often used as a defence against burglary, being strategically planted below windows or around the entire perimeter of a property. What distinguishes the blackberry from its raspberry relative is whether or not it’s stem stays with the fruit when picked. Blackberry fruit stems stay with the fruit while raspberry stems do not, leaving a hollow core in the fruit. Blackberry flowers produce both nectar and pollen for honey bees.
❄️ Winter Weather = add a Shipping Warmer ! 🔥
Notes & Policies:
- All plants are safely shipped bare root in sterile medium.
- "Size" refers to growing container sizes appropriate for plants being sold.
- Please use text/email tracking alerts to receive your plant directly from the carrier to avoid damage due to extreme temperatures and or lack of humidity.
- Please do not place an order when extreme temperature or weather conditions are likely.
- ❄️ Winter shipping ? Protect your plant(s) with a 🔥 Shipping Warmer ! A northerly route and or possible delays during shipping could damage your tropical plant(s). If you did not add a heat pack to your order we cannot be held responsible for damage to your plants during transit in winter weather.
- All of our plants are grown in various amounts of shade, therefore your plants will require a slow introduction into appropriate amounts of sun.
- In most cases your plants will benefit from providing an environment of enhanced humidity upon arrival until root function has normalized.
- All "Fresh & Clean" seeds are from a proven viable source. Germination is not guaranteed due to the use of various individual germination techniques. Typical germination rates provided on request.
- Buyer assumes risks due to state agricultural regulations and bare root shipping.
- Return policy: If for any reason your order is incorrect or arrives in poor condition due to negligence on our part, we will gladly refund the purchase price or send a replacement. To be eligible, buyers must please send a notification within ( 1 ) day of arrival describing the issue(s) accompanied by photos of the un-altered order in its original packing material.
- Plant / tree propagation is from seed unless cutting or grafting methods are stated.
- Questions ? Don't hesitate to ask. We're happy to help!
Daniela & Dave
Let’s Grow Florida!