Growing Blackberries & “Tipping” to Massively Spur Production

Twenty years after planting healthy starts gifted to us, we are still reaping the prolific production of Arapaho thornless blackberries. The stocky plants have never wavered year after year no matter the weather. And it is all because of well-mulched soil and a good pruning. (I hope to add a photo here once they begin to leaf out a bit trailing over the criss-crossed cattle panel trellises.)

We can harvest 7-8 gallon bags of 3/4 to 1″ glistening purple-black fruits every summer – and that is after eating all we want fresh, out-of-hand, first. I can just taste the delicious sweet-tart juice. Arapahos still remain my favorites – even over the Heritage red raspberries that we and our grandchildren adore.

Did you know that each year blackberries (also called brambles) sprout stout new canes from the crown of the plant located just below the soil and from roots that stretch out further? They are called primocanes. They are green and tender. These canes have a two-year life cycle.

During the first year, these thick canes grow leaves, and in the second year, these primocanes bear fruit.

Tipping Blackberries For Massive Production

Gardeners of blackberries can significantly increase their berry yield by mastering a technique known as “tipping,” according to a horticultural educator from the University of Illinois. “Summer is the perfect time for tipping the primocanes of blackberries,” they explain. Tipping involves cutting off the top 2 to 3 inches of a primocane, which is the fresh growth from the current year.

This practice removes the dominance of the shoot tip (which wants to keep growing longer and longer) and encourages the growth of lateral branches below that cut. It also creates a stronger primocane to bear the weight of the fruit the following season. The NEXT YEAR’S CROP will primarily be produced from buds on the lateral branches.

Tipping can result in 3-5 fold increase in yield, thus it is a standard practice.

Here are 4 visuals of the progress over the next few weeks:

This is a helpful 7 minute video that makes it clear, though you may want to watch it twice!

Summary: Spent floracanes die after they produce that second year, then should be cut out. Once the weather warms up, the “tipped” primocanes will start to grow again and will grow longer than the 2 foot pruned length. Pruning primocanes during winter or early spring before they flower encourages them to branch out with side shoots that can grow more berries, and sends plant’s energy into flowering and fruiting. The second year they are called floracanes, once they are done fruiting that second year, they are pruned out and the cycle continues!

This variety, at least for us, have never had pest problems, and the flowers come on well after the frost-free date, so we’ve never lost a crop to weather. Deer leave them alone.

Studies on Blackberries & their Health Benefits:

Have Profuse Antioxidant Potential

Blackberries contain powerful antioxidants which protect the body in multiple ways. Particularly the high levels of anthocyanins work against the harmful oxygen-free radicals and counteract their action. This protects the body from a range of diseases caused as a consequence of oxidative damage. ^{[9] [10]}

Prevent Endothelial Dysfunction

Blackberries provide protection against endothelial dysfunction which may be characterized by abnormal functioning of the inner lining of blood vessels and help in normalizing multiple critical factors implicated in such conditions. Blackberries also help reduce DNA damage and guard against vascular failure. ^[11]

Boost Brain Function

A study showed the polyphenolic components present in blackberries may help slow down the age-related decline in motor and cognitive activity attributing to their super antioxidant power. Regular consumption of blackberries may enhance memory performance and improve behavioral and neuronal functions. ^[12]

Improve Digestion

Blackberries are a source of both insoluble and soluble fiber. The insoluble fiber in blackberries encourages easy and better absorption of water in the large intestine and adds bulk to the stools. This aids in regular bowel movements, freedom from constipation, and apt digestive health. ^[13]

Improve Cardiovascular Function

Rich flavonols such as anthocyanins in blackberry makes it a heart-friendly fruit. Good levels of magnesium helps in regulating blood pressure and prevents cardiac arrhythmia and irregular contraction.

May Aid in Keeping Bones Healthy

Blackberry contains vital minerals essential for maintaining healthy bones. Calcium strengthens the bones and magnesium facilitates the absorption of calcium and potassium into the body. Phosphorus present in blackberry aids in the regulation of calcium, thus assisting in building strong bones. ^{[15] [16] [17]}

Protects Skin and Strengthens Collagen

Blackberry can serve as a delicious aid in maintaining beautiful skin. Blackberry is packed with multiple skin-friendly nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin E, and other potent antioxidants. Vitamin E present in blackberry helps in maintaining the health of skin fats and prevents the skin from wrinkles. A the levels of vitamin C present, is known to be responsible for the formation and strengthening of collagen structure which is the basis of connective tissue and thus aids in keeping the skin toned and tightened. ^[18]

May Help Improve Vision

Regular consumption of blackberries may help in protecting the eyes from ultra-violet radiations, attributing to the presence of lutein. Lutein forms a protective pigment called macula in the area behind the retina and prevents it from the damage caused by oxidative stress and high wavelength light radiations. Furthermore, anthocyanosides and vitamins present in blackberries enhance the vision and protect the eyes from various diseases such as macular degeneration, cataract, and night blindness. ^[19]

May Help in Normal Blood Clotting

Blackberries contain a good amount of vitamin K, which helps in the normal clotting of blood and aids in healing wounds. Vitamin K is also essential for protein modification and plays an important role in protecting bones from osteoporosis. ^[20]

Useful in Pregnancy & Boost Immunity

Blackberry is very beneficial for pregnant women. As a source of natural folate, blackberry contributes to the optimum growth of the cells and tissues and helps reduce the risk of birth defects in babies. Vitamin C and other antioxidants help boost the disease-fighting power of the expectant mother, and the presence of essential minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus in blackberry strengthens bones and contributes to keeping her healthy. Blackberries help strengthen the immune system. Regular consumption of blackberries helps fight various pathogens and protects the body from infections and other fatal illnesses. ^[14] Blackberries refreshing taste makes them a healthy option for a quick snack during pregnancy. ^{[21] [22]}  

Use of Blackberry Leaves

Leaves of the blackberry plant have been found effective in curing diarrhea and dysentery since early times. This is attributed to the abundance of astringent tannins, which helps control such conditions in the digestive tract. Another benefit of astringent tannins in blackberry leaf tea is their healing effect on wounds and in soothing a sore throat. ^[25]

“I love berries. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, black berries, anything with an ‘errie’ in it!” ~Jordan Sparks

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