Why Has My Thornless Blackberry Become Thorny?

Blackberries are a favorite fruit for many people. They are delicious, nutritious, and easy to grow. However, for some gardeners, what used to be a thornless blackberry plant has suddenly started to grow thorns. This can be quite alarming and confusing. In this article, we will explore the reasons why your thornless blackberry has become thorny and what you can do about it.

What Are Thornless Blackberries?

Thornless blackberries are a variety of blackberry that does not have thorns on its stems. They were developed by plant breeders in the 1960s and have become increasingly popular among gardeners. Thornless blackberries are easier to harvest than their thorny counterparts because they do not scratch or prick the skin. They are also less painful to prune and maintain.

Reasons Why Your Thornless Blackberry Has Become Thorny

Virus Infection

One possible reason why your thornless blackberry has become thorny is virus infection. Viruses can cause mutations in plants that result in the growth of thorns. The virus can be transmitted through infected soil, pruning tools, or insects. If you suspect that your plant has a virus infection, it is best to remove it from your garden and avoid planting blackberries in the same spot for at least two years. You should also clean your gardening tools with bleach or alcohol between uses to prevent the spread of the virus.

Virus Infection on Thornless Blackberry

Environmental Stress

Another reason why your thornless blackberry has become thorny is environmental stress. Plants may develop thorns as a way to protect themselves from extreme weather conditions, such as drought, frost, or high temperatures. They may also produce thorns in response to poor soil quality or lack of nutrients. To prevent environmental stress, make sure that your blackberry plant is planted in well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Water your plant regularly and fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Environmental Stress on Thornless Blackberry

Cross-Pollination

A third reason why your thornless blackberry has become thorny is cross-pollination. If your blackberry plant is located near a wild or cultivated thorny blackberry plant, the two plants may cross-pollinate and produce offspring with thorns. To prevent cross-pollination, make sure that your thornless blackberry plant is at least 300 feet away from any other blackberry plant. You can also cover the flowers of your plant with a fine mesh net to prevent bees from carrying pollen from other plants.

Cross-Pollination on Thornless Blackberry

Mislabeling

A fourth reason why your thornless blackberry has become thorny is mislabeling. Unfortunately, sometimes plants are mislabeled or misidentified by nurseries or retailers. You may have purchased a plant that was labeled as thornless but is actually a thorny variety. To prevent this from happening, make sure that you purchase plants from reputable nurseries or retailers that provide accurate labeling and identification.

Mislabeling on Thornless Blackberry

What Can You Do About It?

If your thornless blackberry has become thorny, there are several things you can do to address the issue:

• If your plant has a virus infection, remove it from your garden and avoid planting blackberries in the same spot for at least two years.
• If your plant is experiencing environmental stress, make sure that it is planted in well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Water your plant regularly and fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• If your plant has been cross-pollinated, move it to a location that is at least 300 feet away from any other blackberry plant. Cover the flowers of your plant with a fine mesh net to prevent bees from carrying pollen from other plants.
• If you suspect that your plant has been mislabeled, contact the nursery or retailer where you purchased it and ask for a refund or replacement.

In conclusion, if your thornless blackberry has become thorny, there are several possible reasons why this has happened. By identifying the cause of the problem, you can take steps to address it and enjoy a healthy, productive blackberry plant for years to come.

Thornless blackberry, virus infection, environmental stress, cross-pollination, mislabeling