Blackberry's are dying back

Are blackberry vines suppose to die back at the end of summer? I have 3 thorn-less type still in the pots
from early summer. I've been digging out an area to plant them, but with our hot weather, it's been a
slow go. All 3 plants are starting to turn crunchy brown. They are in full sun, I water them every other
day, one of the plants has a few berries. I can move them under the patio to stay a bit cooler if necessary.
It will be at least a few weeks before I can get them into the ground.
I saw a yard on one of my walks, that had various kinds of berries growing, and all of theirs were still
green and vigorous. Any advise is appreciated.

 

I am in a completely different zone than you (5a), but here the canes die back each year and grow new ones the following season. We are heading into fall now and the canes are turning. I will cut back this years canes to the ground and trim the new ones to the same height for next years fruit. I hope this helps.

 

I would reduce the amount of water to about once a week if they are turning brown and let the roots go dormant in preparation for winter.

 

Thank you Netty and Mart for your helpful comments. I've moved them under some shade cloth, and am reducing the watering. I'll trim off the dead stuff andwill get them into the ground in a week or two.

 

I should read up on berry cane care, if I remember.

 

Hiya 4-G.

I wrote a little piece on pruning and cane care a few years ago. It mayu not have much useful to you now, but in the future....maybe. here's the link:

http://www.gardenstew.com/threads/t...-bushes-to-my-garden.21391/page-2#post-193531

 

Very helpful Sjoerd. I'm still working on the trench, filling it back in and adding mulch into the soil. Not a very
big job, but time and temperatures are my biggest hurdles. Just hope I can get those poor plants in the ground
before they die. Many thanks.

 

Fingers AND toes crossed for you. Are you planning to enrich the soil in the holes that you plan on planting those berry bushes into?
I so hope that you will have success.

 

Sjoerd, welcome home and thank you. I too have been away.
As soon as I have time, I'll get into the Blackberry brambles.