Blackberries love a sunny and warm location with sufficient watering. This makes some varieties quite suitable for growing on the balcony.
Which blackberries can I grow on the balcony?
Tall, upright, thornless varieties such as Navaho Early, Navaho Big&Early, Black Satin, Loch Nes, Jumbo and Chester Thornless are recommended for growing blackberries on the balcony. They thrive well in large containers and require regular watering and fertilization.
Benefits of growing blackberries on the balcony
Not every hobby gardener has a large garden with plenty of space for growing delicious blackberries. But even if you have a balcony or a sunny terrace, you don't have to miss out on the enjoyment of your own blackberries. Certain types of blackberries also thrive in a container if they are watered and fertilized adequately. However, the blackberries should be planted on the balcony in a sufficiently large pot so that the blackberry roots, which grow strongly to the sides, are not restricted in their development.
Choosing the right blackberry varieties for the balcony
The tall, upright growing blackberry varieties from specialist retailers are primarily suitable for growing on the balcony. These also bear their fruit on shorter tendrils and are therefore easier to control their growth on a balcony. The following varieties have proven particularly useful for growing on the balcony:
- Navaho Early
- Navaho Big&Early
- Black Satin
- Loch Nes
- Jumbo
- Chester Thornless
Since all of these varieties have no thorns (€12.00 on Amazon) on the tendrils, there is no risk of injury from growing blackberries on the balcony. For an even longer harvest season, you can also combine different early or late maturing varieties if your balcony has enough space.
Caring for columnar blackberries and blackberry espaliers on the balcony
Growing blackberries on the balcony is particularly attractive when it can be used for visual design and enhancement at the same time. Blackberry plants formed into a trellis can not only cover a gray concrete wall, but also serve as a natural privacy screen towards the neighboring apartment. The most important care measures on the balcony are regular watering, removing overripe or moldy fruits and cutting back the two-year-old tendrils in the fall after the harvest.
Tips & Tricks
Even upright blackberry varieties sometimes tend to form longer blackberry tendrils. You can simply cut these when you reach the desired height. This does not harm the plants, but actually promotes the growth of the side shoots and fruit setting.
