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Help, new! Thornless blackberry leaves are curling

 
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I am new to this and I need help! I planted my thornless blackberry in the ground last week. I have been water everyday because of how hot it is in Texas. Why are my leaves curling and some are turning brown. Please give me any advice you have, it would be greatly appreciated!!!
301D3F9C-BF06-4256-B213-44A9AEF67AFB.jpeg
Picture of my thornless blackberry taken yesterday
Picture of my thornless blackberry taken yesterday
 
pollinator
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I'm excited for you!  I absolutely love thornless blackberries!  

Fun fact: Did you know you can propagate a new plant using that long shoot shown on the right of your picture?  If you cover him up in the middle with some soil, he'll grow new roots and then you can divide it. Research  Serpentine or Tip Layering for more info.  

Yay more plants for everyone!

I'm not (yet) a plant whisperer, but to address your concern:

1) It's normal for plants to experience stress after transplanting, as the roots regrow into their new soil and the plant adjusts to its new conditions.  Your little guy also has fruit on it, so energy is split going to both develop the roots and develop the fruits. Fortunately, blackberries are pretty hardy plants, and it looks like most of the leaves on your plant have a nice deep green color.  

2) Sometimes leaves curl because of pests.  Take a close look at the leaves and stems and nooks and crannies and verify there are no abnormal crawlies.

3) Sometimes leaves can curl due to overwatering or underwatering.  Just a guess, but that soil looks mighty damp and dark, which makes me think the former.  Try watering in the morning (it helps prevent fungus), but before you do so, dig a little away from the plant first to see how damp the soil is a couple inches down.  A healthy mulch can help with retaining moisture more evenly.

Lastly, can you tell us more about how you transplanted it:
a)The hole size and depth in comparison to the plant's original pot?
b)The soil used?
c)Which side of the house it is on?
d)Any soil amendments or fertilizers applied?

 
Daniela Ortiz
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Thank you!

The instructions that was on the pot said to dig a hole twice the depth Of the pot that the plant came in, so I did just that.
I fertilized yesterday with miracle grow fruit and citrus food.
I will look for creepy crawlies. If I find any, how do I treat?
 
pollinator
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I wonder if the 'Miracle Grow' might be your problem. It's possible that it scorched the tender roots that are already a bit beat up from transplanting. A neutral compost or well rotted manure might have been a better option than the chemicals.
No matter, I'd say the plant is just a bit stressed right now and will survive after a period of transplant shock. Berry vines are pretty hard to kill!
Regarding the potential bugs: squish 'em!
 
George Yacus
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You're very welcome.

If you find pests, simply knock them off with a spray bottle or crush them.

One more thing I just learned watching this video:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9VHLZ4SJC8Y

Leaves can curl the way that yours are due to photosynthesizing faster than their roots are able to take up water.  The curling apparently is a way that the plants attempt to block light.
 
Daniela Ortiz
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Thank you George and Chris!

 
pollinator
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I agree that the miracle grow might have been a bit much for the young roots. It also looks like it could be over watering. Generally plant leaves taco like that as they try to transpire as much as possible. Maybe leave it without water for a day and see what happens. If it doesn't wilt I'd see if letting it dry out fixes it.
Also would say that these berries are not heavy feeders in my experience and you could probably get a healthier plant with less effort by adding compost/worm castings annually than tinkering with things like miracle grow
 
pollinator
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And welcome to Permies!  So glad you got answers to your questions.  Before fertilizing, always read the tag (and maybe more info on the internet) before decided what to use, when, and how much.

Blackberries grow as weeds in many places (unfortunately, not thornless!) and don't seem to need much fertility at all.
 
Anne Pratt
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And here is a great thread about watering!

https://permies.com/t/140738/quick-test-figure-water-plants#1104313
 
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