Austin Mays Blackberry Plant – High-Yielding, Sweet & Easy to Grow! 🌿

The Austin Mays Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus ‘Austin Mays’) is a vigorous, early-season variety known for producing large, sweet, and juicy blackberries. This heat-tolerant, disease-resistant plant thrives in warmer climates and provides an abundant summer harvest. Whether you're a home gardener or commercial grower, this blackberry plant delivers exceptional flavor and high yields.

🌿 USDA Growing Zones & Chill Hours

Thrives in USDA Zones 6-9, making it ideal for mild to warm climates
Requires 300-400 chill hours, perfect for regions with shorter winters

🌸 Pollination & Fruit Production

Self-Pollinating – No need for another plant, but multiple bushes increase yields
Produces large, firm blackberries with a sweet, rich flavor
Ripens early – Fruit is ready from late May through early July

🌳 How to Plant & Grow Austin Mays Blackberries

📍 Best Planting Location

Full Sun: Requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
Well-Draining Soil: Prefers loamy, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5)
Spacing: Plant bushes 3-4 feet apart in rows spaced 6-8 feet apart

🌱 Planting Instructions

Prepare the Soil: Ensure well-draining soil enriched with compost.
Dig a Hole: Twice the width and depth of the root ball.
Position the Plant: Place the plant so that the crown is level with the soil.
Backfill & Water: Fill the hole with soil, gently press it down, and water thoroughly.
Mulch: Apply Weed Pro Weed Mats or organic mulch to retain moisture.

🌿 Ongoing Care & Maintenance

💧 Watering: Keep soil moist but not soggy, especially during fruiting.
✂️ Pruning: After harvesting, remove dead canes to promote new growth.
🍂 Fertilizing: Use Nutra-Pro 1st Year Fertilizer Paks for consistent nutrients.
🛡️ Protection: Utilize Max Growth Berry Shelters to shield young plants.

Fruit Ripening Time, Taste & Uses

Ripens May through July
Large, sweet blackberries with a hint of tartness
Perfect for fresh eating, baking, jams, smoothies, and freezing

🍽️ Delicious Blackberry Recipes

1. Austin Mays Blackberry Jam 🍯

4 cups fresh blackberries
2 cups sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 packet pectin

Instructions: Mash blackberries and mix with sugar and lemon juice. Heat on medium, stirring frequently. Add pectin and boil for 2 minutes. Pour into sterilized jars and store.

2. Blackberry Cobbler 🥧

3 cups fresh blackberries
¾ cup sugar
½ cup flour
1 tsp vanilla
1 pie crust

Instructions: Mix all ingredients and pour into a pie crust. Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes. Let cool before serving.

3. Blackberry Lemonade 🍹

1 cup fresh blackberries
½ cup sugar
4 cups water
3 lemons (juiced)

Instructions: Blend blackberries with sugar and water, strain mixture, and add lemon juice. Serve over ice and enjoy!

🌿 Essential Products for Maximum Growth

✅ Nutra-Pro 1st Year Fertilizer Paks – Boosts root growth and berry production.
✅ Soil Moist Transplant Mix – Helps retain moisture and reduce transplant stress.
✅ Max Growth Berry Shelters – Protects young plants from environmental stress.
✅ Weed Pro Weed Mats – Prevents weeds from stealing water and nutrients.

🛒 Why Buy from Ty Ty Plant Nursery, LLC?

✅ Best Prices – High-quality plants at unbeatable prices.
✅ Fastest Shipping – Delivered fresh and ready to plant.
✅ Large Selection – Choose from a wide variety of berry plants.
✅ Free One-Year Plantsurance Guarantee – Get store credit if your plant doesn’t survive.

🌿 Start growing your own high-yielding blackberries today! Order now from Ty Ty Plant Nursery, LLC and enjoy homegrown sweetness for years to come! 🌳