Even the most beautiful blackberry bush becomes a dense, unsightly tree without regular pruning. To ensure that its fertility does not decrease, you must cut the blackberries regularly. In contrast to spring, where it is cut back close to the ground, in summer the shrub only needs thinning. We explain how it works.
Cutting blackberries: This is why training pruning is necessary
For now: Heavy pruning is prohibited by law during the birds' breeding season. However, caring measures are permitted. However, you must beforeEnsure cutMake sure there are no breeding birds in the bush and cut off as few branches as possible. For a training cut, it is sufficient if you shorten the fruit-bearing young shoots a little.
This caring cut always takes place after the harvest season and aims to:
- to increase the quality of the fruit.
- to promote flower formation. Without pruning, the perennial will only produce flowers on one side. If the flowers and later also fruits are evenly distributed on the bush, then they can ripen more quickly.
- to promote the formation of new shoots. The berry bush produces fruit exclusively on old wood (shoots from the previous year bear most of the fruit
- remove ailing, inwardly growing shoots and thus thin out the shrub.
Protect blackberries from sunburn
After cutting, the bushes are particularly susceptible to diseases, fungi and pests. They can also burn easily. If you want to protect them, then you can cover them with linen fabric or other opaque fabric from the strong onesTo protect from sun rays. When watering, the following applies: water regularly and extensively. A layer of mulch can prevent water from evaporating from the soil.
Burnt blackberries: How can you save the bush through caring pruning measures?
If the blackberries burn, the first thing you should do is immediately remove the damaged leaves, stems and fruit. Always work with sharp and clean secateurs, because interfaces are entry points for fungi, bacteria and viruses and make theBerry bush susceptible to disease.
It is also important to water the blackberries extensively, mulch them and protect them from the strong midday sun with an awning or parasol. In the greenhouse you should ventilate regularly and plant the plants at least one meter apart. If you have blackberries in pots on the balcony, you can bring them into the apartment when the heat is long.
Cutting blackberries or tying the shoots to a trellis: which is better for the berry bushes?
The berry bush is particularly sensitive in prolonged heat. You need to take some steps to prevent heat damage.
- Water the plant the day before cutting. Wet leaves are susceptible to fungal attack.
- The best time for a nourishing cut is early in the morning.
- A parasol or breathable fabric can provide shade and protect the plant from the strong rays of the sun for the next 2-3 days.
- If possible, cut off as few shoots completely as possible. Only the diseased and dried or woody plant parts need to be removed. You can shorten a third of the young shoots from the previous year by a third.
- Use clean pruning shears and disinfect them thoroughly before and after use.
- Only throw the cut plant parts into the compost heap if there are no diseased shoots, leaves or fruits in between. Even if the shrub is infested with pests, you should dispose of the clippings with household waste.
However, if the temperatures exceed 30 degrees, then it is better to avoid cutting. Instead, you can tie the young shoots to the trellis. Mark the shoots that will bear fruit this summer with pink twine. This way you can immediately see next year which shoots need to be cut off close to the ground.
Blackberries are long-lasting andundemanding shrubsthat require little care. But the caring cut is simply part of it. It promotes flower and fruit formation and thus ensures a rich harvest. In summer, all dried shoots and dead leaves are regularly cut off. Even if there is an infestation, you should act quickly and remove the diseased parts of the plant. It is also important to thin out the plant and cut down the old wood.
After cutting in summer, the shrub should be protected from the strong rays of the sun. Regular fertilization should not be missed in hot weather. To prevent water from evaporating from the soil, you can place a layer of mulch around the plant. If the weather does not allow it (temperatures have exceeded 30 degrees), then you can tie the shoots to the trellis instead.
