I'm just wondering if you have any native blackberry plants. If so, those would probably be the easiest to grow successfully in your climate. At least they might be a good place to start. To be honest, I am new to fruit growing. I am trying to get some persimmon trees started.

Triple Crown doesn't sucker [can tip root]. Perhaps this variety would work out there if blackberries thrive in your area...any wild ones around?

In your situation, the large pots may be the way to go. It will be easier to control how much heat the roots and plant get. Leave in full sun during spring bloom, then move into mostly shade. Probe the pot soil deeply to determine when to water. Regular water from after bloom until after harvest.

This assumes your pots can be made mobile and there is a place to move them to.

Triple crown fruit is subject to sunlight damage. Use shade cloth or actual shade once berries go from green to red.

Just wear some gloves, you'll be fine ;)

Ok so Triple Crown is what I should be looking for. I was hoping for something that can handle full sun. I guess as thin as the skin is on blackberries that might be asking to much to ask for under sever conditions.

If I decided I wanted to plant blackberries in the ground and did not want them to spread what kind of preparations would I need to take?

In the manner of kibitzing rather than actual knowledge, I would try a Texas variety like 'Roseborough' or even'Brazos' before Triple Crown. I would also avoid planting them in pots (colloquially called "Dutch Ovens" in Arizona).

As always, "full sun" anywhere else means "partial shade" in Arizona.

kokopelli5a "As always, "full sun" anywhere else means "partial shade" in Arizona."

So very true. The combination of extreme heat and exceptionally low humidity has killed many plants and trees here that call for full sun elsewhere.

Oh geez I just planted this past weekend my raspberry and blackberry in large containers with bamboo trellis (teepee style)...and now I have to worry about the pot getting too hot. I also read the same thing on the Fig Forum about your planted Figs not getting too warm around the pots. So I guess I will have to grow something in front of the pots so they are shaded.

Hi socaliegal, you can tie or staple a skirt around each pot using shade cloth or burlap.

You can also dig a hole 6-8" deep and 4" wider all the way around. Place the pot in the hole and fill around it with a well draining soil mix. Make sure you cover the hole in the center of the pot and mark where the holes are on the sides. It will make it easier when/if you need to cut the roots to move the pot.

I get about 650 chill hours max. Tried growing triple crown for three years. Did not fruit or produce any blooms. If you don't get more than 650 chill hours, triple crown will not likely fruit for you. Do a search......it requires high chill. Recommended at @800 hours. I grew natchez this year. Large berry and pretty good. Triple crown is a great tasting berry, but I think you would have to be at least zone 8 for it to produce.

Thank you for posting that kingwood. I did not even know blackberries were rated for chill hours.

In a good year we get 350 chill hours. In a bad year we get less than 250 chill hours. For fruit trees my county extension says I should choose trees that require 250 chill hours or less.

I, too, am trying to select a cultivar to grow. I'd like thornless if it would be worth growing, but my main concern doesn't seem to be addressed anywhere I've read. Seems like a lot of people here with lots of experience. Can you help?

I currently grow boysenberries. What I'd like is a blackberry cultivar that shares with them an important characteristic: all new canes come only from the crown (unless a tip touches down, of course). In other words, are there cultivars for me to AVOID because they behave like raspberries and sprout up everywhere?

I have limited space, lots of things I want to grow, and extremely sandy soil (well...it IS sand...) so anything with a growth habit like raspberries will be rapidly out of control (I do grow raspberries, but in containers).

Right now I like the sound of Triple Crown. It it the kind of plant I am looking for?

I would think triple crown would do well on the central CA coast. Sprouts from crown only. Needs extended dry period for ripening so fruit doesn't mold. A lot of foggy days could be a problem. More productive than Boysen, should ripen later.