I've never planted 500 plants before, but from my experience you don't need to do any root treatments. I've planted 5 different kinds of blackberries and never had a plant die. I've also moved/transplanted blackberries, and it's not uncommon where a plant is dug up, a new one will shoot up from some of the small roots left behind. They grow like weeds.

That said, blackberry roots are supposed to be extremely sensitive to sunlight. I've always kept my bare root plants well covered while planting.

The best root stimulant for your situation is plain ole water. None of that other stuff is needed. Don't think you will find much support here for root stimulants. Also, don't apply any fertilizer with the roots. Fertilizer with the roots can kill the plant. B12 at least won't kill anything.

The Fruitnut

I pretty much agree with the others, except that I'd mix in some bonemeal. As you know, MiracleGro and others sell a solution for this purpose, but it's pricey and unnecessary for the purpose at hand. The B12 may be helpful for exotics or other things with which I'm unfamiliar, but you'll be eating blackberries in spite of yourself if you simply water them in. Misterbaby.

I've planted many thousand blackberry plants like my father would add transplant fertilizer to transplant water just low amount to make socking water before plant have just a bit fertlity. I used large blue barrel not over 8oz of liguid fertilize per barrel I used monty joy juice as my liquid fertilizer to soak plant in for hour the day of planting hole plant under water. I bring my barrel and joy juice if want the help there be no charge. Darwin

I used chicken litter as strong as couldbe mix in soil at this sametime year the smell was as strong as chicken could get when we planted Janurary 10 they where growing new growth evey day chicken litter keep soil warmed just right the leaves would redden some on days after white frost but new growth come from plant same day in afternoon. When I plant root cutting after they come up by 6 inches I add gallon on each side plant month later add gallon each opposite sides. Chicken litter make growth in summer and all night. This chicken litter just came out house it dureing week of clean out. Key not pile on plants December good time apply fresh litter to blackberries its no no to apply year of production so january until after harvest be that time frame. I hope this info what need to make blackberries productive lower cost and safe.

I follow the recommendations of my agricultural extension for the most part on the subject of pathway to quckest, best yealds. They don't have their own profit as part of the agenda and provide you with research based info instead of anecdotal fairey dust.

Thanks to everyone! All of your input was great. Right now I'm leaning towards just using water as most of you mentioned. I guess the root stimulant might come in handy if I had poor soil to start with. Thanks for the offer, though, gator_rider! However, I sent my extension folks an email, as suggested, to see how they handle the planting of bare root blackberry plants at the field station. If I hear they use something other than water, I'll let you know.

I always use plain water and it has worked fine. Although, I haven't planted nearly that many plants (at least, not at once).

You going to need 2160 foot of row for that variety in zone 8A Boston mountain going to send you 27 plants to bundle instead 25 to bundle unless they hire someone count lol. 4 foot spacing more suited for Natchez in zone 8A. This info is because I done a lot bussiness with Mr.Gary Pense I know soninlaw Simmons. I like and enjoy things you are doing good luck.

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately, the deed has been done and I planted them 3 foot apart. However, my 4-wire trelleses are 5 foot high, so there should be plenty of room for them to sprawl all over. I have to admit, though, the bare root plants that I got from Boston Mountain Nursery are the prettiest ones I have ever received from any nursery! Each plant had a handle at least 1/4 inch in diameter and about 8-12 inches long with a full compliant of roots. I can't wait for the primocanes to start growing this spring. Thanks again gator-rider2 for all the information!

There be world different in primocanes in 2011 they be straight and tall 2010 they get 2 foot start to been over after 2010 season lower wires not need there after. Surflan and simazine mix good preemmergent after soil setial by rain I use atazine same as simazine surflan high cost just take care small weed seed. you only need V trellis one wire on each side going to have been that back to pick in 2011 floricanes you have longer cane than most people on this forum because long growing season. Two tablespoon 10-10-10 on 2 side plant first every month first one may 1st last one september 1st total 5 applications 1 foot off from plant growth stop about Oct 20 because cool temperatures harding off come very soon after 20th oct. winter kill almost impossible in zone8 so no need exspect that kind damage. When have mountains south your location its different story. But as arkanasa unvercity says all new planting need suppilment iron liquid iron cheat you need quart sprayed in straight stream each side plant this above any soil test later years 3 years down road its go by direction of soil test. Soil applyed nitrogen units for zone 8 is 125 units to max out production because of 34 percent nitrogen I used 68 units twice on grown plants first 68 units at 5 percent bloosom and then 14 day before end harvest. July first for last 68 units. In september and october you can have as much growth as all rest seasons plants double in september october in zone 8.

Here is a link that might be useful: sweet berry farms a link you may like

Gator,

Could you direct me to the reference where the University of Arkansas recommends the application of supplemental iron, regardless of soil tests?

You've long been a supporter of supplemental iron, maintaining iron deficiency is the cause of white drupelet disorder. From my perspective, it would be nice if there was a magic bullet (application of iron) to get rid of white drupelet, but I've not found any research that indicates it's linked to iron. Texas A&M only recommends iron when pH is above 8.

However, if Arkansas is now recommending iron to all soils, I'd like to read about it.

For discussions of root stimulants, bone meal etc....

Here is a link that might be useful: Horticultural Myths

Thank you bboy for a very interesting and useful link. Al