How to Plant Blackberry Roots

Propagating blackberries with root cuttings is the fastest way to obtain more plants of any blackberry cultivar. As a vegetative reproduction method, root cuttings ensure that the plant that grows up resembles the parent that produced it. Planting seeds, in contrast, often results in offspring that do not resemble the parent plant. If you want to reap higher yields from your favorite blackberry bush, root cuttings are an easy way to go. When making root cuttings, pay attention to the orientation of the root. The end nearest the parent plant's crown is the proximal end, and the opposite is the distal end.

Knife
String
Plastic bag or container
Sawdust, peat moss or sand
Shovel
Flowerpot (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Remove some of the soil from around the base of the blackberry plant and find a strong, healthy root measuring about 1/4 to 1/2 inch in diameter.
- 2
  Make a straight cut near the crown of the parent plant.
- 3
  Make an angled cut 2 to 6 inches down the root from the cut you just made.
- 4
  Place cuttings together with the proximal and distal ends facing the same direction and tie them into a bundle with string.
- 5
  Store cuttings for three weeks in moist sawdust, sand or peat moss kept in the refrigerator.
- 6
  Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter, fertilizer and other amendments. Use a tiller or garden fork to loosen the soil to at least the planting depth.
- 7
  Dig a hole deep enough to allow for the full length of the cutting, plus 3 to 6 inches on top, depending on your soil type. Place the cutting in the hole with the proximal end pointing up and fill in the soil.
- 8
  Add 3 to 4 inches of soil on top of the cutting for clay soils and 5 to 6 inches on top for sandy soils. If you're planting multiple cuttings, space them 2 to 3 inches apart.

Plants With Red Seeds You Can Eat That Are Sour

The Best Blueberries to Grow in Arizona

Growing Berries