THORNLESS
BLACKBERRY
Rubus fruticosus
Planting - Dip plenty of organic matter, animal manure or commercial fertiliser into the soil before planting.
Care of crop - Grow crop against a wall or fence, or support with a fence or trellis. Sprinkle with a general fertiliser each spring. Cut off suckers that emerge between plants. Apply mulch in spring to conserve moisture in summer and increase fruit yield.
After Fruiting - Cut old stems once plant has fruited. Leave about 5 stems on each plant and keep tied whilst growing through summer.
Pests - Aphids, Leafhoppers and beetles can be controlled with insecticidal spray.
Disease - Grey mould affects soft fruits. Berries with this grey covering invariably rot. During flowering time spray with fungicide. Repeat every two weeks or as directed on specific spray.
