Blackberry plants are among the easiest and most rewarding berry plants you can grow at home. They thrive in many climates, they produce fruit quickly, and they require far less maintenance than many other fruiting plants. Whether you’re planting thornless blackberries for easy picking or traditional thorned varieties for maximum yield, knowing the right planting time can significantly improve your results. Every state has its own ideal blackberry planting window, based on soil temperature, frost patterns, and seasonal weather.

Blackberries grow as perennial brambles, meaning the root system survives year after year while the canes renew themselves. This makes planting time especially important. Planting during the wrong season can delay establishment or expose the plant to unnecessary stress. By planting at the correct time for your state, you give your blackberry plants the best chance to thrive, produce strong canes, and begin fruiting as quickly as possible.

Why Planting Time Matters for Blackberry Plants

Blackberry plants root quickly when placed in warm, workable soil. If planted too early, they may struggle with cold, wet ground. If planted too late, they may experience heat stress before roots fully establish. Because blackberries rely heavily on a strong root system to support vigorous cane growth, the first few months after planting are the most important period of their entire lifespan.

Planting at the right time ensures:

• Faster establishment and stronger root development
• Less water demand during hot months
• Reduced transplant stress
• Better first-year cane growth and earlier fruit production
• Improved long-term yield and healthier plants

Below is a detailed, region-by-region breakdown of the best time to plant blackberry bushes anywhere in the United States.

Best Time to Plant Blackberry Plants in Northern & Upper Midwest States

States: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire

Best Planting Time: Late April through May

Blackberry plants in cold northern climates should be planted after the final frost date and once the soil has fully thawed. These states experience long winters and late freezes, so patience pays off. Planting too early exposes young blackberry roots to freezing damage and slow growth due to cold soil. Late April and May provide the ideal balance of warming soil and reliable spring moisture.

Fall planting is generally not recommended in these states. The growing season is too short to allow blackberry roots to properly establish before winter returns.

Best Time to Plant Blackberry Plants in the Northeast & Mid-Atlantic

States: New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Delaware, Maryland

Best Planting Time: Late March through April

These states enjoy a longer growing season than the far north, making early-to-mid spring a great time for planting blackberries. Once the ground is workable and nighttime freezes are minimal, blackberry plants can be planted. The cool, rainy spring weather helps roots take hold before the heat of summer arrives.

Fall planting can work in the Mid-Atlantic for experienced gardeners, but spring planting offers the most consistent results.

Best Time to Plant Blackberry Plants in the Southeast

States: Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas

Best Planting Time: December through March

The Southeast offers one of the longest planting windows in the entire country. Blackberry plants thrive when planted during the cool season in this region. Soil temperatures remain warm enough for root development throughout winter, and plants face less stress than if planted during spring’s rapid heating cycle.

For the best results, plant blackberry bushes anytime from December to March. Avoid waiting until late spring, as blackberries can become stressed while trying to root in rising temperatures.

Best Time to Plant Blackberry Plants in the Gulf Coast, Texas & Oklahoma

States: Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Florida

Best Planting Time: December through February

These warm states heat up earlier in the year, so blackberry plants perform best when planted during winter. This gives the root system time to anchor deeply before the first heat wave arrives. Blackberry plants planted too late often struggle with water demand and slower establishment.

Florida growers should choose low-chill blackberry varieties and plant as early in winter as possible.

Best Time to Plant Blackberry Plants in the Midwest

States: Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, Kansas, Nebraska

Best Planting Time: March through April

The Midwestern climate provides a reliable early spring planting window. As soon as soil temperatures rise and late freezes become less common, blackberries can be planted. Aim for planting before temperatures warm too quickly, allowing roots to settle before summer arrives.

Best Time to Plant Blackberry Plants in the Pacific Northwest

States: Idaho

Best Planting Time: February through April

The Pacific Northwest is naturally suited to blackberry growth, and wild blackberries are common throughout the region. Cool, moist springs are ideal for planting cultivated varieties. Plant blackberry plants just before or during the rainy season for the best establishment.

Fall can work, but spring planting still provides the most reliable results, especially for new growers.

Best Time to Plant Blackberry Plants in the Southwest

States: New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Colorado

Best Planting Time: February through April

The Southwest presents unique challenges—low humidity, large temperature swings, and intense sun. Planting blackberries in early spring gives the root system time to develop before summer drought conditions intensify. Higher-elevation states like Utah and Colorado may need to wait until late April depending on lingering snow.

Fall planting is risky due to early freezes and unpredictable weather shifts.

General Rule of Thumb for All States

If you’re unsure when to plant blackberry bushes in your area, follow this simple guideline:

Plant blackberry plants during the dormant season—after leaf drop and before new spring growth begins.

This is when plants experience the least stress, the soil holds consistent moisture, and roots can expand without competing demands from the canopy.

Tips for Planting Blackberry Plants Successfully

Choosing the right planting time is only half the equation. Proper planting techniques will help ensure your blackberry plants grow quickly and begin producing sooner.

1. Choose a Sunny Location

Blackberries produce best when given full sun, ideally at least six to eight hours a day. Shade reduces fruit yield and encourages disease pressure.

2. Plant in Well-Draining Soil

Blackberries prefer loamy to sandy soil. Heavy clay soils should be amended or raised beds should be used to encourage better drainage and prevent root issues.

3. Space Blackberry Plants Correctly

Spacing depends on the type of blackberry plant:

• Thornless varieties: 4–6 feet apart
• Thorned varieties: 3–5 feet apart
• Rows: 8–10 feet apart

4. Water Deeply After Planting

Water immediately to help settle soil around the roots. Continue watering weekly during the establishment period unless rainfall is adequate.

5. Mulch to Protect Roots

Mulch retains moisture, regulates soil temperature, and reduces weeds—ideal for blackberry growth.

6. Provide Support for Erect & Semi-Erect Varieties

Trellising helps maximize fruit quality and makes harvesting easier.

Why Buying Blackberry Plants From a Trusted Nursery Matters

Blackberries are known for their vigorous growth, but plant quality plays a major role in long-term performance. Healthy, well-grown blackberry plants with strong roots will produce more robust canes and fruit sooner than smaller or stressed plants. Ordering from a dependable nursery ensures your berry plants arrive ready to grow the moment they are planted.

Why Customers Nationwide Buy Blackberry Plants From Ty Ty Nursery

When you’re shopping for blackberry plants for sale, choosing the right nursery makes all the difference. Here’s why growers across America choose Ty Ty Nursery:

• Large selection – Dozens of blackberry varieties for sale, including thornless, erect, trailing, and semi-erect types.
• Best prices – Affordable blackberry plants without compromising size or quality.
• Fastest in-season shipping – Plant in days the Ty Ty way. Most orders ship the next business day during the active season.
• Industry-leading guarantees for free – One-Year Plantsurance and Lifetime True-to-Name Policy come at no additional cost.
• Certified Google Quality Store – Read customer reviews here: Google Quality Store
• Nearly 50 years in business – Over 10 million plants shipped nationwide.
• Tens of thousands of 5-star reviews – View real feedback here: Customer Reviews
• Live plant experts located in Ty Ty, GA – Call 888-758-2252 to speak with real horticulture staff before, during, or after your purchase.

When you’re ready to buy blackberry plants online, Ty Ty Nursery offers healthy, vigorous plants grown to succeed in your climate. Order today and start enjoying delicious berries from your own backyard.