blackberry

Blackberry (Rubus 'Navaho') should be watered whenever the top 1-2 inches of the soil is dry but not completely dry. This usually means that you should water once a week or more often during hot, dry weather. Water the blackberry bush deeply until the water begins to drain out the bottom of the pot or begins to puddle on the surface of the soil. Discard any water that has drained out, as this will prevent root rot.

Blackberry (Rubus 'Navaho') should be given plenty of sunlight for optimal growth and fruiting. This plant species prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, split into 2 to 4 hour periods during the morning and late afternoon. Avoid providing intense, direct sunlight during midday as this can cause sunburn. Additionally, during periods of extreme heat, additional shade may be needed to prevent damage. Providing adequate sunlight will ensure a robust and healthy plant with an abundance of juicy, sweet berries.

Blackberry (Rubus 'Navaho') should be pruned once a year, preferably in late winter or early spring. Before pruning, it is important to inspect for and remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Pruning should involve selective thinning of the bush to prevent it from becoming overcrowded. During this pruning, you should remove some of the old canes that have fruited and some of the new canes, leaving a good balance between mature canes and new canes. On each of the remaining canes, you should then thin out any suckers or shoots that are not desired or needed. For the remaining new canes, look for the strongest of the lot to retain, and prune away the rest. After pruning, you may need to add some fertilizer to help the bush recover.