Blackberry season is one of the highlights of the summer, usually stretching out over several months. Whether you’re foraging for wild berries in the woods or picking from your own backyard bushes, the timing is pretty similar. One of the best things about blackberries is that they don’t ripen all at once; the berries mature at different times, which means you get to enjoy a steady harvest rather than one giant rush.
When is Blackberry Season?
Whether you have wild brambles, garden varieties, or even compact bushes on your balcony, you can usually start filling your baskets around July. Because these plants produce fruit continuously rather than all at once, you’ll be able to go out and pick fresh, ripe berries for a good couple of months.
How to Tell When They’re Ready
The biggest giveaway for ripeness is the color. Most berries start out bright red and gradually turn a deep, dark purple or jet black. However, don’t go by color alone! Some specialty cultivars are actually red even when fully ripe. The best test is the “tug test”: give the berry a very gentle pull. If it pops right off the vine, it’s ready to eat. If it puts up a fight and stays firmly attached, give it another day or two to sweeten up.
What if the Berries Aren’t Ripening?
Sometimes, you might notice your berries aren’t reaching that perfect state, or they only ripen in patches. This is usually caused by one of two things:
- Poor weather conditions (like a lack of sun or too much rain)
- An infestation of the blackberry redberry mite.
Boost Your Harvest with the Right Spot
To get the longest harvest possible, you really need to pick the right location. Blackberries love a spot that is bright, sunny, and warm. Plenty of sunlight ensures the berries develop their full flavor and ripen quickly. On the flip side, avoid dark or soggy areas, as too much moisture and shade can lead to moldy fruit before you even get a chance to pick it.
Dealing with Partially Ripe Berries
If you notice berries that are turning black in some spots but staying hard and bright red in others, you’re likely dealing with the blackberry redberry mite. These tiny pests feed on the individual drupelets of the berry, preventing them from ripening properly. Unfortunately, these berries won’t ever fully ripen and aren’t great for eating, so it’s best to remove and discard the affected fruit to keep your patch healthy.
