Blackberry
Rubus fruticosus
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Jul 16, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Blackberry
Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) is a thorny, cane-forming shrub in the rose family producing clusters of sweet-tart black aggregate fruits in late spring to early summer. In NE Florida, select low-chill cultivars such as Prime-Ark Freedom or Ouachita for reliable fruit production in zone 9b's mild winters. Starting at $14.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Flower Color
- White
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Acidic, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Higher water demand in summer heat.
Foliage may begin to change or drop.
Dormant — drops foliage. Can be planted in mild winter periods.
Care essentials
Plant blackberries in full sun — at least 6 hours per day — for best fruit production. In NE Florida, a site with good air circulation helps reduce fungal disease pressure during humid summers.
Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained; drip irrigation is ideal to deliver moisture while minimizing fungal disease. Avoid overhead watering. In NE Florida, select low-chill cultivars (e.g., Prime-Ark Freedom) suited for zone 9b's limited chill hours.
Grow in well-drained, slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5), sandy loam soil; amend with compost at planting. Apply 1/4 lb of balanced fertilizer per plant in spring; in subsequent years apply 1/4–1/2 lb twice annually. Do not over-fertilize, as shallow roots are easily burned.
Similar needs
Banana Shrub
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Blueberry
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Carolina Wolfberry
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Chenille Plant
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Elderberry
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Firespike
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Common questions
Is Blackberry a good plant for St. Augustine?
Blackberry is a shrub for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 4-6 feet × 3-4 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.