What is the difference between Rubus fruticosus and Rubus idaeus?

Rubus fruticosus is the blackberry (black fruits in August-September). Rubus idaeus is the raspberry (red fruits in June-July). Both are Rubus but produce different fruits.

When should you plant a thornless blackberry?

Plant from November to March outside of frost periods, or in spring in a pot. Autumn planting allows better rooting before summer.

Is the blackberry plant hardy?

Yes, very hardy down to -20°C. The blackberry adapts to all French climates and withstands winter frost perfectly.

What exposure does a Rubus fruticosus need?

Full sun to partial shade. The blackberry produces more fruit in the sun but tolerates partially shaded exposure, ideal for east- or west-facing balconies.

How do you prune a blackberry plant?

Prune in late winter (February-March) by removing stems that fruited the previous year and keeping young shoots that will produce the following summer.

Does the thornless blackberry produce as much as a regular blackberry?

Yes, thornless varieties are as productive as classic blackberries. They offer the same yield with much greater comfort for harvesting and maintenance.

How long does it take for a blackberry plant to bear fruit?

A blackberry starts producing from the 2nd year after planting. Production gradually increases to reach its maximum around the 3rd-4th year.

Rubus fruticosus – Thornless Blackberries for Balcony and Urban Garden

Q: Can you grow a blackberry plant in a pot on a balcony?

Yes, in a large container of at least 40-50 liters with a trellis or stake. The thornless blackberry is ideal for balconies, compact and easy to train.

Q: When do you harvest blackberries?

Blackberries are harvested from August to September depending on the variety, when they are fully black, shiny, and easily detach from the plant.

Juicy blackberries picked right from your balcony — it’s possible. Our blackberry bushes are thornless, easy to care for, and produce abundantly from the second year.

Rubus fruticosus – Grow Your Own Blackberries in the City

Juicy blackberries picked straight from your balcony or terrace — it’s entirely possible with our Rubus fruticosus. Our varieties are thornless, easy to care for, and produce abundantly from the second year. A productive, decorative climber perfectly suited for small urban spaces.

Thornless, hassle-free

No more scratches while pruning or harvesting — our blackberry plants are thornless varieties, meaning completely free of thorns. They are just as productive as wild species, with the great advantage of being much more pleasant to handle daily. They easily climb on a trellis or fence to create a productive and natural hedge. Also check out all our fruit and aromatic plants to create an outdoor space that’s both beautiful and edible.

A productive and decorative climber

The blackberry is also a beautiful climber: its long stems quickly cover a support, its dense foliage attracts pollinators when in bloom. Harvest takes place in summer, with sweet fruits that can be eaten fresh, made into jam, or easily frozen. Discover all our climbing and groundcover plants for more vertical gardening ideas.

Growing tips

☀️ Light: full sun to partial shade, south or west exposure ideal
🌱 Soil: fresh, well-drained, and slightly acidic — compost is welcome
💧 Watering: regular, especially during fruiting
✂️ Pruning: remove stems that have fruited after harvest to encourage new shoots
🏗️ Support: trellis or cables recommended to guide the stems
❄️ Hardiness: very hardy, withstands winter frost well

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you grow a blackberry plant in a pot on a balcony?
Yes, in a large, well-drained container with regular watering, especially in summer. Our varieties are well suited thanks to their manageable vigor. Check out our guide how to choose the right pot to get started. Also discover all our plants for balconies and terraces.

When do you harvest blackberries?
Blackberries are generally harvested from July to September depending on the variety and exposure. The more sun the plant gets, the earlier and more abundant the harvest.

Do you need to prune your blackberry plant every year?
Yes, annual pruning after harvest is essential to maintain good production. Remove the stems that have fruited and keep the new shoots from the year for the next season.

Do thornless blackberry varieties produce as much as thorny ones?
Yes, thornless varieties produce just as generous harvests as thorny species, with the great advantage of being much more pleasant to care for daily.

Also explore

Blackberries are part of our Fruit & Aromatic Plants collection. Also check out our outdoor plants, our plants for balconies and terraces, and our climbing and groundcover plants to create an urban outdoor space that’s both beautiful and productive.