Blackberries are vigorous, fast-growing plants that produce bountiful, delicious fruit; but only when properly maintained. Without regular pruning and a sturdy trellis, blackberry canes can sprawl, tangle, and become difficult to manage. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to prune different blackberry varieties, why trellising is essential, and the best trellis systems for backyard gardeners and small orchards. Plus, we’ll recommend some of the best June-bearing and everbearing blackberry varieties to grow.

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Pruning Blackberry Varieties: June-Bearing vs. Everbearing

Understanding your blackberry variety’s fruiting habits is the first step to pruning correctly. Blackberries typically fall into two categories:

• June-bearing (Floricane): Fruit on second-year canes
• Everbearing (Primocane): Fruit on first-year canes, and sometimes again the following year

How to Prune June-Bearing Blackberries (Floricane)

June-bearing varieties fruit on second-year canes, called floricanes. After they produce fruit in summer, these canes will never fruit again and should be removed.

When to Prune:

• After summer harvest: Cut spent floricanes to the ground.
• Late winter or early spring: Thin new first-year canes (primocanes) and top them to promote branching.

How to Prune:

• Leave 4–6 of the strongest primocanes per plant.
• Top primocanes at 3–4 feet tall in midsummer to stimulate lateral growth.
• In early spring, trim lateral branches back to 12–18 inches to increase fruit density.

How to Prune Everbearing Blackberries (Primocane)

Everbearing or primocane-bearing varieties fruit on first-year canes, typically producing a small crop in late summer or early fall and again the following summer on the same cane.

There are two main pruning approaches:

1. Two-Crop Method

• Let primocanes fruit at their tips in late summer/fall.
• The same canes will produce again lower down the next summer.
• After the second harvest, remove the cane.

2. Single-Crop Method

• Cut all canes down to the ground in late winter.
• You’ll get one larger fall crop with less disease risk and easier management.
• Ideal for cold climates with harsh winters.

Best Blackberry Varieties to Grow

Choosing the right blackberry variety for your region, trellis setup, and pruning preference will make care much easier. Here are some top choices:

Top June-Bearing (Floricane) Blackberry Varieties

• Chester: Thornless and highly productive with excellent disease resistance. Firm berries with a rich flavor.
• Triple Crown: Vigorous and high-yielding. Semi-erect growth habit, thornless, and known for large, sweet fruit.
• Von: A newer thornless variety that’s heat-tolerant, firm, and very sweet with high yields. Great for fresh eating and storage.
• Black Satin: Thornless with medium to large berries. Sprawling growth habit that benefits from strong trellising.

Top Everbearing (Primocane) Blackberry Varieties

• Prime-Ark® 45: The most cold-hardy of the primocane types. Produces in late summer on primocanes and again in early summer on floricanes. Thorny but vigorous.
• Apache: Technically floricane-bearing, but included here because it produces heavy yields on tall, thornless canes. Known for extra-large, firm berries and upright growth.
  

Why Trellis Blackberries?

Trellising blackberry plants isn’t just about making your garden look neat. Trellising is essential for fruit production and plant health.

Benefits of Trellising:

• Improved air circulation helps prevent fungal diseases like anthracnose and cane blight.
• Easier harvesting because berries are upright and accessible.
• Increased sunlight exposure, which improves ripening and yield.
• Space efficiency in small garden beds or raised beds.

Keeps fruit off the ground, protecting it from pests and rot.

Types of Trellising Systems for Blackberries

Choosing the right trellis system depends on your space and variety. Here are the most popular methods:

1. T-Trellis

• Two horizontal wires mounted at the top of a vertical post, forming a “T.”
• Canes are trained to fan out on each side.
• Best for: Semi-erect and erect types like Triple Crown or Von.

2. V-Trellis

• Two angled arms form a “V” with wires to hold canes apart.
• Ideal for thornless or trailing varieties.
• Provides great airflow and berry exposure.

3. Single Wire Trellis

• A basic horizontal wire strung between posts at about 3–4 feet high.
• Best for small gardens or containers.
• Easy to install and ideal for light training.

4. Double Curtain Trellis

• Two parallel horizontal wires, about 18–24 inches apart.
• Canes are bent and draped over each wire in opposite directions.

Works well for very vigorous varieties with long canes like Black Satin.

Tips for Successful Pruning and Trellising

• Use sharp, clean pruners to prevent disease spread.
• Wear gloves—even thornless varieties have small prickles.
• Install trellises early to avoid disturbing roots later.
• Label canes if using the two-crop method to track which ones to remove.
• Mulch heavily to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Healthy Blackberries Start with Smart Pruning and Trellising

If you want more berries and less stress in your garden, start with proper pruning and a strong trellis. Whether you’re growing a sprawling patch of thornless blackberries or just a few canes in containers, a little effort goes a long way. Choose varieties suited to your growing zone and management style, and enjoy sweet, juicy berries all season long.