Blackberry Baby Cakes

Rubus fruticosus ‘Baby Cakes’

Baby Cakes® Blackberry is a compact, thornless, and high-yielding dwarf blackberry variety, ideal for small gardens, patios, and container growing. This self-pollinating plant produces large, sweet, classic blackberries in mid-summer, with the potential for a second smaller crop in fall in warmer climates. Its low-maintenance nature and cold-hardiness make it a great addition to Southwest Saskatchewan gardens.

Planting & Growing Conditions

• Hardiness Zone: 4-8 (suitable for prairie climates with proper care)
• Mature Size: 3-4 feet tall, 3 feet wide
• Growth Rate: Fast
• Sunlight Needs:
  • Full sun (requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight for best fruit production)
  • Can tolerate partial shade, but yields will be lower
• Soil Requirements:
  • Prefers well-drained, loamy soil
  • Tolerates slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.5-7.5)
  • Avoid heavy clay soils, which retain too much moisture
• Spacing: 3-4 feet apart for in-ground planting

Watering & Maintenance

• Young Plants (First Year):
  • Water deeply 2-3 times per week to establish roots
• Established Plants:
  • Requires consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruiting
  • Water weekly, adjusting based on temperature and rainfall
• Mulching:
  • Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature

Fertilizing

• First Year: No fertilizer needed—focus on root establishment
• Mature Plants:
  • Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring
  • Supplement with organic compost or aged manure in spring to enrich soil
  • Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which encourage excessive leafy growth instead of fruiting

Pruning & Maintenance

• Best Time to Prune: Late winter to early spring, before new growth begins
• How to Prune:
  • Remove dead, damaged, or weak canes
  • After fruiting, cut back floricanes (second-year canes) to the ground to encourage new growth
  • Thin out dense growth to improve airflow and prevent disease

Flowers, Fruit & Harvesting

• Bloom Time: Spring (April-May), followed by fruit in mid-summer
• Flower Color: Small white flowers that attract pollinators
• Fruit Ripening:
  • Main crop: Mid-summer (July-August)
  • Potential second crop: Late summer to early fall (September-October) in warmer climates
• Berry Characteristics:
  • Large, juicy, sweet blackberries
  • Firm texture, excellent for fresh eating, baking, and jams
• Harvesting Tips:
  • Pick when fully black, plump, and easily detach from the cane
  • Regular harvesting encourages continued fruit production

Pest & Disease Management

Resistant to: Most common pests and diseases

Common Pests:

• Aphids & Spider Mites – May cause leaf curling or discoloration
  • Solution: Spray with insecticidal soap or introduce beneficial insects (ladybugs)
• Japanese Beetles – Can eat leaves and flowers
  • Solution: Hand-pick beetles or use row covers

Common Diseases:

• Powdery Mildew – White fungal coating on leaves
  • Solution: Improve airflow and avoid overhead watering
• Anthracnose & Cane Blight – Can affect stems and leaves
  • Solution: Prune out affected areas and ensure proper air circulation

Winter Protection

• Cold-hardy to Zone 4, but may require extra mulch protection in harsh winters
• Mulching:
  • Apply 3-4 inches of mulch around the base before winter
• In colder regions (Zone 4-5):
  • Consider wrapping the plant in burlap for additional cold protection

Landscape Uses

Perfect for small gardens, urban spaces, and container growing
Thornless canes make it easy to handle and harvest
Self-pollinating—only one plant is needed for fruit production
Great for fresh eating, baking, smoothies, and preserves
Low-maintenance, compact, and highly productive

Growing Baby Cakes® Blackberries in Containers:

• Use a large container (at least 16 inches wide and 12 inches deep)
• Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot
• Keep soil evenly moist, as container plants dry out faster
• Prune lightly to maintain shape and encourage fruiting

Additional Notes:

• Baby Cakes® Blackberry is an easy-to-grow variety suitable for beginners
• Lifespan: 10+ years with proper care
• Ideal for home gardeners looking for a thornless, high-yielding berry plant

Photo courtesy of plantaddicts.com