Dear aristotelian-ga,
While I am unable to find an exact series of instructions for
transplanting Rubus Argutus (sawtooth blackberry) in Georgia, I am
including some general instructions on transplanting native plants, as
well as specifics on the requirements of your wild blackberries.
Requirements of the Sawtooth Blackberry (Rubus Argutus)
- "Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade"
- "Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus."
- "Division in early spring or just before leaf-fall in the autumn."
http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/cgi-bin/pfaf/arr_html?Rubus+argutus&CAN=COMIND
- "Blackberries do not thrive in wet soil."
-"Light is the energy source and the growth, productivity, and fruit
quality increase with the amount of light."
- "Distribution of R. argutus in Georgia: Ridge and Valley, Piedmont
and Coastal Plain "
http://www.discoverlife.org/nh/tx/Plantae/Dicotyledoneae/Rosaceae/Rubus/argutus/
Transplanting Native Plants:
"Many homeowners who transplant native plants from the woods are often
disappointed because the plants die....For success in transplanting
native plants, it is important to understand the environment in which
they are growing naturally. Duplicating this environment on the new
planting site is the key to the plant's survival."
Environmental factors to consider include light, soil moisture, and soil acidity.
1) Light - Rubus Argutus grow native in fields or at the edge of
woodlands. Light shade is fine, but too much shade will kill them.
2) Soil Moisture - well-drained soil is important here. If you have
clay (as I know large portions of Georgia do), then you'll need to add
sand or other amendments to help increase drainage. Blackberries don't
like soil that's soggy.
3) Soil Acidity - since the blackberries are native to your area, your
soil acidity is probably OK. But if you want to be sure then have your
soil tested by your local Extension Office (in advance of
planting...it takes time to change soil pH).
Here are some transplanting tips to increase your chance of survival:
-"Dig a hole no deeper and 6 to 12 inches wider than the root system.
Refill with a mixture of enough existing and native soil of the plant
to accommodate the root ball or bare-root system. Set the plants a few
inches higher than when growing in the woods."
-"Firm the soil and water thoroughly. The plant should now settle so
it will still be at a higher depth than it was before transplanting.
Avoid planting too deep."
-"Do not use fast-release or high-nitrogen fertilizer at the time of planting."
-"Adequate soil moisture is critical for several months after
transplanting. Water only when necessary. Over watering will result in
sure death. To determine if the soil is dry, stick your finger 1 to 2
inches below soil surface. When necessary, water slowly in order to
soak the ground thoroughly."
http://www.ext.vt.edu/departments/envirohort/factsheets3/general/FEB92PR5.HTML
-"In choosing the native plant to transplant, do not attempt to
transplant an overly large specimen. Small plants are usually more
vigorous. They grow much faster and are easier to handle."
-"Pruning transplanted plants is often difficult for the gardener, but
usually is essential for viability. Cut back the upper branches and
end shoots of limbs to compensate for loss of root area and to
encourage new branching and foliage growth come spring."
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/newsletters/hortupdate/nov01/art2nov.html
One last tip - choose either late fall (around the time the leaves
start falling) or early spring (before the flowers bloom) to help
lessen transplant shock.
Best of luck with your project!
-inquisitive-ga
Search strategies:
"rubus argutus" +requirements -hawaii
"sawtooth blackberry"
"transplanting native plants"
"wild blackberries" georgia |
,
0 Comments
)