How to Grow Thornless Blackberries from Cuttings: Apache Variety Desert Guide
Growing perennial fruit in the desert can feel pretty intimidating, but thornless blackberries, especially the Apache variety, are one of the few berries that will actually thrive here when you propagate them right.
My Apache Thornless blackberry started as just a simple clipping from my Houston garden. With some strategic planting and a little patience, that cutting rooted beautifully and will produce its first harvest this spring here in the desert.
Here's exactly how I did it, and how you can do the same in Zone 9a desert conditions.
Why Apache Thornless Blackberries Are Perfect for Desert Gardens
The Apache variety wasn't just bred for your average backyard. It was designed for tough conditions. Here's what makes it great:
High heat tolerance that can handle brutal desert summers
Large, sweet berries that taste amazing
Vigorous new canes that get established quickly
Thornless growth so you don't get scratched up during pruning and harvest
What really makes Apache valuable for desert gardeners is how well it roots from cuttings. You can expand your berry patch without spending money on new plants, which makes it a cost-effective way to add perennial fruit to your landscape.
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Selecting the Right Blackberry Cutting for Propagation
Best time to take cuttings:
Late summer is the sweet spot for propagating blackberries. By then, fruiting is done and you've got established, mature canes to work with. The canes have hardened off from the season's growth but aren't dormant yet, so they have the energy to develop roots before winter hits.
You want to start with good material. Look for a healthy, pencil-thick cane from last season's growth, not the new green shoots from this year.
Your ideal cutting should have:
Firm, mature cane structure
No disease spots, weird discoloration, or signs of stress
Several leaf nodes along its length
Cut it to 6 to 8 inches long, making sure at least two nodes will be below the soil once you plant it. Those nodes are where your roots will come from.
Preparing Blackberry Cuttings for Rooting
Good prep makes a huge difference in your success rate, especially in dry climates where moisture disappears fast.
Step-by-step preparation:
Strip off all leaves from the lower half of the cutting so they don't rot
Keep two to three leaves on top so the plant can photosynthesize while rooting
Dip the base in honey (optional but worth it in our dry climate as a natural rooting helper)
Stick the cutting into a container filled with high-quality seed starting mix
Keep the soil lightly moist while it's rooting, but don't make it soggy. In dry climates, bottom watering works best because it stops the surface from getting crusty while keeping moisture consistent where the roots are forming.
Creating the Right Environment for Root Development
Desert air sucks moisture out of everything, including your cuttings. You need to protect them from stress while they're developing roots.
My rooting setup:
Put them somewhere that's protected from direct sun most of the day
Make sure they're sheltered from high winds that'll dry them out fast
Keep them in bright shade with gentle, indirect light
Under these conditions, roots usually form within 4 to 6 weeks depending on how hot it is. You'll know roots have developed when you see new growth starting and feel gentle resistance when you tug on the cutting.
Planting Blackberry Cuttings in Desert Soil (Zone 9a)
Once your cutting has a good root ball and is pushing out new leaves, it's ready to go outside.
Large planter pots work great as temporary homes while you figure out where you want to plant them permanently. This gives the plant time to get stronger while you prep the perfect spot.
What blackberries need:
Container or ground: Big planter pots work well either temporarily or permanently. Go for at least 15 to 20 gallons so the roots have room to grow.
Sunlight: Morning sun with afternoon shade is best for the first season. Once they're established, Apache can handle full sun as long as you water them enough.
Soil prep: Blackberries like slightly acidic, well-draining soil. Desert soil is usually alkaline, so mix in plenty of compost and pine bark fines to lower the pH and improve the texture.
Spacing: Plant at least 3 to 4 feet apart. The canes spread like crazy, and if they're too crowded you'll get less airflow and smaller berries.
Mulch: Put down a thick layer of mulch right after planting. Pine shavings work well, and you can cover them with burlap held down with lawn pins so the mulch doesn't blow away in our high winds. Mulching isn't optional. It's what makes the difference between a plant that thrives and one that struggles.
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Watering Blackberries in Hot, Arid Climates
Young plants need consistent water while their roots are getting established.
Important watering tip: Always water at the base of the plant and keep water off the leaves. Wet foliage is a great way to get leaf rust, which is a common fungal problem with blackberries. Stick to watering the soil directly and your plants will stay healthier.
How often to water:
First month: Water every 2 to 3 days, keeping the soil evenly moist
After that: Switch to deep watering once a week
Don't do shallow daily watering, it creates weak roots that only grow near the surface
Established blackberries handle heat really well, but they do need steady water when they're setting fruit and developing berries. Deep, less frequent watering builds drought resilience while still supporting heavy fruit production.
Training and Supporting Semi-Erect Canes
The canes are semi-erect, which means they grow upright at first but will start to arch as they get bigger and start bearing fruit. Some basic support keeps plants productive and healthy.
Simple support ideas:
Single T-post with two horizontal wires at 3 and 5 feet
Lightweight trellis system
Tie first-year canes loosely with soft plant ties to guide their direction and improve airflow
Good training cuts down on disease issues, gives you bigger berries, and makes harvesting way easier.
What to Expect Growing Apache Blackberries in Desert Climate
They transition from humid climates to dry ones surprisingly well when you root them from a healthy plant.
What the growing season looks like:
Spring: Fast, vigorous cane growth as it warms up, followed by tons of white blooms and heavy berry production with large, sweet fruit
Summer: New cane development and growth keeps going
Year-round: Strong disease resistance even with our low humidity
Long-Term Care for Desert Blackberries
Once they're established, thornless blackberries are pretty low-maintenance.
What to do each year:
Remove dead or spent canes after spring harvest
Feed with compost or balanced organic fertilizer in early spring
Keep mulching heavily to regulate soil temperature and hold in moisture
Prune to keep good airflow and encourage new productive growth
With just a little seasonal care, thornless blackberries become a reliable part of your homestead, cranking out generous harvests year after year.
Final Thoughts on Propagating Apache Blackberries in the Desert
Starting Apache blackberries from cuttings is one of the most rewarding things you can do as a desert gardener. The heat tolerance, disease resistance, and ability to root easily make them perfect for Zone 9a and other arid climates.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to take blackberry cuttings in the desert?
Late summer is ideal for taking blackberry cuttings after fruiting is complete. The canes have hardened off but aren't dormant yet, giving them enough energy to develop roots before winter.
Do I need rooting hormone to propagate blackberries?
Rooting hormone isn't required, but it helps. You can use honey as a natural alternative rooting aid, which works well in dry climates.
How long does it take for blackberry cuttings to root?
Blackberry cuttings typically develop roots within 4 to 6 weeks, depending on temperature and conditions. You'll know they've rooted when you see new growth and feel resistance when gently tugging the cutting.
Can Apache blackberries really thrive in desert heat?
Yes! Apache blackberries were specifically bred for high heat tolerance. With proper watering, mulching, and afternoon shade during the first season, they handle desert conditions very well.
Should I plant blackberries in the ground or in containers?
Both work well. Large containers (15-20 gallons) are great for temporary or permanent planting. They give you flexibility to move plants and control soil conditions more easily.
Why shouldn't I get water on blackberry leaves?
Wet foliage encourages leaf rust, a common fungal problem in blackberries. Always water at the base of the plant to keep leaves dry and plants healthy.
When do Apache blackberries produce fruit?
Apache blackberries bloom and produce fruit in spring. After harvest, you'll see new cane development throughout the summer.
What's the best soil for growing blackberries in the desert?
Blackberries prefer slightly acidic, well-draining soil. Since desert soil is typically alkaline, amend it generously with compost and pine bark fines to lower pH and improve texture.
