Vigorous canes need a sturdy trellis system. Like raspberries, blackberries fruit on second-year canes — cut out canes that have fruited after harvest. Tip-prune new canes at 4–5 ft in summer to promote lateral branching and more fruit. Thornless varieties are easier to manage. Very productive once established; can spread aggressively — contain by removing suckers. Harvest when berries are fully black and slightly soft.

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