Caddo Blackberry is a floricane variety bred for serious fruit production, thriving in hardiness zones 6, 9. This cultivar produces very large-sized berries ideal for fresh eating, developing its full potential by the second year of growth. With its compact growth habit and preference for full sun and well-drained soil, it fits neatly into home gardens where space matters. Hand-harvest the fruits as they ripen for the best quality, since these berries don't mature uniformly enough for mechanical picking.
Full Sun
Moderate
6-9
?in H x ?in W
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High
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Caddo produces very large fruit on a compact plant, making it easier to manage than sprawling blackberry varieties. As a floricane type, it follows the traditional two-year bearing cycle, delivering a full harvest in year two after establishing strong canes during its first season. The berries are bred specifically for fresh eating, where their size and flavor shine brightest when picked by hand at peak ripeness.
Caddo blackberries are grown primarily for fresh eating, where their large fruit size and quality are best appreciated. Home gardeners harvest them by hand at full ripeness to enjoy raw, in desserts, or in preserves. The berries should be kept cool immediately after harvest to maintain their quality.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Plant blackberry canes in early spring or fall, positioning them in full sun where they'll receive at least 6 hours of direct light daily. Space plants according to their mature size, ensuring adequate air movement around each cane. Backfill with amended soil to encourage root establishment.
Caddo blackberries are ready to harvest when fully ripe, typically mid to late summer on second-year canes. Pick berries by hand once they've turned fully black and come away easily from the cluster with a gentle tug. The berries don't ripen uniformly across the plant, so plan for multiple harvesting trips over several weeks. Keep harvested berries cool immediately after picking to preserve their quality and shelf life.
As a floricane variety, Caddo produces fruit on two-year-old canes. After harvest in the second year, remove the spent fruiting canes entirely at ground level to make room for new primocanes developing from the base. The first year produces only vegetative growth; resist the urge to prune heavily during this establishment phase. In subsequent years, thin out weak or damaged canes in early spring to maintain the compact growth habit and improve air circulation.
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