Shrub
Blackberry
Rubus fruticosus
Varieties We Carry
OuachitaRubus fruticosusBaby CakesRubus fruticosusTriple CrownRubus fruticosus
Sizes & Pricing
3 galFrom$14.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 11.
LightFull Sun
WaterModerate
Mature size4-6 feet × 3-4 feet
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
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther 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
Light
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.
Water
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.
Soil & Fertilizer
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.
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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.