How to Grow Blackberry in New Zealand
Grow only named thornless cultivars, as wild blackberry is a declared pest plant in New Zealand. Plant in winter while dormant and train the canes along wires. Cut out spent canes after fruiting and tie in the new growth for next season.
When to plant blackberry in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | June, July, August |
| Auckland | June, July, August |
| Waikato & BoP | June, July, August |
| Wellington | June, July, August |
| Nelson & Marlborough | June, July, August |
| Canterbury | June, July, August |
| Otago & Southland | June, July, August |
| Central Otago | June, July, August |
Best blackberry varieties for NZ
- Karaka Black — Thornless New Zealand-bred blackberry, large early glossy fruit, heavy cropper. (garden centres, berry nurseries)
- Black Satin — Thornless productive variety, vigorous and easy to train. (garden centres)
How to grow blackberry
- Space plants about 150cm apart.
- Sow seed around 10cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 365 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 1 days.
Companion planting
Grow blackberry near: Tansy, Borage, Marigold, Nasturtium.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Birds, Spider mite, Aphids. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Blackberry plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant blackberry in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in June, July, August. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy blackberry seeds or plants in NZ?
Try garden centres, berry nurseries.