How Long Does it Take to Root Blackberry Cuttings? A Detailed Guide to Propagating Blackberries

Blackberries are a delicious summer fruit that can be enjoyed fresh in pies and cobblers or made into jams and jellies. Growing your own blackberries allows you to harvest fresh berries at peak ripeness, but buying new plants each year can get expensive. Propagating blackberries from cuttings is an easy, effective way to get new plants identical to the parent plant for free. If you want to try propagating blackberries yourself, you may be wondering – how long does it take to root blackberry cuttings? Let’s take a closer look at the process.

Overview of Propagating Blackberries

Blackberries can be propagated from both softwood and hardwood cuttings.

Softwood cuttings are taken from fresh, new growth in early summer Hardwood cuttings are taken from mature dormant stems in late fall or winter. Here are the key differences

Softwood Cuttings

• Taken from green, flexible new shoots
• Root quickly – usually 3-6 weeks
• Lower success rate than hardwood cuttings

Hardwood Cuttings

• Taken from woody stems once they lose leaves
• Require 8-12 weeks of cool weather to root
• Higher success rate than softwood cuttings

For both types, a rooting hormone can be used but is not required. Cuttings are placed in a potting mix of peat moss and sand. Intermittent mist and bottom heat encourage faster rooting.

When to Take Softwood Cuttings

Softwood blackberry cuttings are generally taken in early summer when new growth hardens off but is still pliable. Here are timing tips:

• Take cuttings when plants are actively growing after bloom
• Cuttings root best when night temps are above 55°F
• Morning offers ideal hydration to collect cuttings
• Avoid hot, dry weather

For most climates, late spring to early summer provides the ideal window to take softwood blackberry cuttings. Warm days and cool nights support rooting.

How Long Do Softwood Cuttings Take to Root?

With proper care, softwood blackberry cuttings will form roots in 3-6 weeks. Here are factors affecting rooting time:

• Rooting Medium – Cuttings root fastest in peat/perlite or peat/sand mixes. Heavier soils slow drainage.

• Temperature – Bottom heat around 70°F accelerates rooting. Cool temps below 65°F slows the process.

• Light – Low to moderate light is ideal. Avoid direct hot sunlight.

• Humidity – Periodic misting maintains humidity around leaves. Domes also help.

• Rooting Hormone – Hormones like IBA shorten rooting time by 1-2 weeks.

By providing ideal temps, humidity, and soil, most softwood cuttings root in 3-4 weeks. Hormones can accelerate rooting by 1-2 more weeks.

When to Take Hardwood Cuttings

Hardwood cuttings are taken after plants become dormant and growth stops for the season. Here are timing guidelines:

• Collect cuttings after plants defoliate and go dormant
• For cold areas, take cuttings after several hard frosts
• In mild winters, collect cuttings late fall through winter
• Avoid freeze/thaw cycles that can damage cuttings

Exact timing varies by location and variety. Most gardeners take hardwood cuttings from late fall through early winter.

How Long Do Hardwood Cuttings Take to Root?

Hardwood blackberry cuttings need cool stratification to initiate root growth, substituting for dormancy. Here’s a rooting timeline:

• Collect cuttings in late fall/early winter when dormant
• Store cuttings 1-2 months at 35-40°F like a refrigerator
• Plant cuttings in late winter in potting mix
• Wait 8-12 weeks for root growth as weather warms
• Transplant after last spring frost

In total, hardwood cuttings need about 3-4 months – 1-2 months cold treatment, then 8-12 weeks to root before planting. Using a heated mat can reduce rooting time by a few weeks.

Tips for Rooting Softwood vs. Hardwood Cuttings

Follow these tips for best results rooting softwood and hardwood blackberry cuttings:

Softwood Cuttings

• Take 4-6 inch cuttings from vigorous new shoots
• Strip leaves from lower half of cutting
• Dip in rooting hormone (optional)
• Stick 2-3 inches deep in soil
• Maintain 70°F temperature
• Provide intermittent mist

Hardwood Cuttings

• Take 4-6 inches of 1 year old stems
• Remove all leaves and runners
• Bundle and store for 1-2 month cold period
• Soak cuttings 24 hours before planting
• Stick 2-3 inches deep
• Maintain 65-70°F soil temperature
• Keep soil evenly moist, not soggy

Troubleshooting Propagation Problems

Here are some common propagation problems and how to resolve them:

• Rotting Cuttings – Use new growth, sterilize tools, improve drainage and air flow.

• Slow Root Growth – Increase bottom heat, use hormone, maintain even moisture.

• No Roots – Take cuttings at right time of year based on guidelines. Discard after 12 weeks.

• Small, Weak Plants – Let cuttings fully root before transplanting. Gradually acclimate to sun and wind before planting outdoors.

Rooting blackberry cuttings provides an easy way to get free new plants identical to the parent plant. In 3-4 months, you can have young blackberry plants to put in the ground. Then enjoy harvesting lots of fresh, homemade blackberries! A little time invested in propagating will pay off with big rewards.