Propagating Blackberries and Asparagus

I have friends who have asked for some blackberry and asparagus plants. Having done a little research on both and having planted both successfully this is the method I will use. If my camera comes back from the repair facility in time I will document the processes. First the Blackberries.

Blackberries are virtually impossible to get rid of. My wife does not like them so I am going to dig all of the healthy plants and give them away. If you want some let me know. The first step is to wait for them to go dormant in the winter. Then all of the canes will be cut about 2” from the ground. This is not necessary and will prevent berries from forming the 1st year. It will make the plants easier to handle and if any of them need to be shipped, this step is essential. Next the plants will be dug at least 6” deep and the soil will be shaken from the roots. The recipient will soak the roots overnite in water and plant in rich, crumbly, acid soil. The best way is to dig a hole and fill it with compost and water and set the plant in there. The plant should be planted to the same level as it was before. They will be marked as they are removed from the ground. A blackberry bed can be expanded using this same method.

Asparagus can be propagated in two ways. They can be started from seed or the crowns can be divided. My plants are only 3 years old; so I do not wish to divide the crowns. I am picking seeds just before they fall. The seeds will be planted 1/2 “ deep in very loose rich soil this spring. Very early the next spring or late in the winter the crowns will be dug and replanted. Asparagus should be planted in a permanent location as they come back every year. Make a bed with very loose soil 2’ deep. Dig a v shaped trench 1’ deep. Spread the roots at the bottom of the trench and cover the crowns so that they barely show above the top of the soil. As the sprigs grow cover them almost completely with loose soil or compost. Asparagus are very heavy feeders. Don’t cut them at all the 1st year. Cut them for 4 weeks only the second year. After that they can be cut through the end of June.


David Segrest is an International REALTOR in Charlotte, NC. His email is david@segrestrealty.com , His webpage is http://www.segrestrealty.com , and his international real estate blog is http://dointernationalrealestate.blogspot.com/