The Snowbank Blackberry, also called Snowbank White Blackberry, is a Blackberry that is actually white. The translucent, milky-white berries taste exactly like other sweet Blackberries, but without the dark juice to stain fingers, clothes, and tongues. Snowbank Blackberry Plants are compatible for growing in USDA Zones 5 to 8 where they like full sun and well drained soil. New Snowbank Blackberry Plants are fast growers and will produce fruit in one to two years after planting. These plants are cold tolerant, disease resistant, and easy to grow.
Snowbank Blackberry Plants are vigorous and grow trailing canes that do best when growing on a trellis or fence. The rambling canes bloom in spring and the juicy white berries ripen in July. The self-pollinating plants are capable of producing their succulent White Blackberries when growing alone, but growing a row of several Snowbank Blackberry Plants will dramatically increase the quantities of fruit each season. Plant this unique fruit in your edible garden and enjoy eating and sharing these incredible, delicious, White Blackberries.
Snowbank Blackberry Shrubs are cold tolerant down to -10ºF. The plants go dormant and drop their leaves over the winter months. This deciduous habit is part of what helps protect the Blackberry Bushes in freezing temperatures. However, Snowbank Blackberry Plants can be damaged by strong winds. Plant them in a location protected by structure, such as a wall, shed, or hedge, to the north. Also, allowing Snowbank Blackberry Plants to grow over and upon a trellis will add support to the canes and help them survive harsh winds with less damage.
Snowbank Blackberry Plants benefit from consistent pruning. In winter when the plants are dormant, cut all dead or broken canes to the ground and remove. Also cut down the weaker, smaller canes. Leave between five and ten of the strongest, largest canes and prune these to a height of between three and four feet. When spring arrives and side stems emerge, prune them to lengths of about one foot each. Pruning Snowbank Blackberry Plants in this manner will encourage heavy blooms and large yields.
Harvesting
Mature Snowbank Blackberry Plants growing in a sunny location with ample water and nutrition can produce between ten and fifteen pounds of berries per season. Harvest Snowbank Blackberries when the fruits are cream to bright white, and yield slightly to a gentle squeeze. If the berries are white but still hard, allow them to ripen for a few more days. Taste the softest berries to determine if they are ready to pick. Ripe Snowbank Blackberries will have a sweet, tangy, traditional Blackberry flavor.
Snowbank Blackberries can be used to make any baked goods that are normally made with Blackberries. White Blackberry jelly has a golden color similar to white grape or apple jelly. Snowbank Blackberries are great for adding to salads, fruit trays, and as a sophisticated garnish in champagne. Store harvested Snowbank Blackberries in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for later use. Snowbank Blackberries can also be juiced and, of course, eaten fresh from the garden.
Growing Zones
Advice
Snowbank Blackberry Plants like to climb and the canes have thorns. The best way to manage these thorny brambles is to plant them in a row under a system of T-shaped braces that hold cordage similar to a low clothesline. Space Snowbank Blackberry Plants three to four feet apart, and construct the trellis so that the tops of the posts and lines are about three to four feet above the ground. One post every ten feet is adequate. As the new canes grow, use garden twine to direct them to the trellis tops.
Once the Snowbank Blackberry Plants begin to grow upon the trellis system, the canes will naturally wrap over and around the poles and lines. Such a trellis helps stabilize the Snowbank Blackberry canes so they are more easily navigated when you are pruning, harvesting, fertilizing, and mulching the plants. In their second and third years, the pruned plants will readily find their trellis supports and the mature plant roots will provide sturdy foundations for the larger canes and higher yields.
FAQs
Do Snowbank Blackberry Plants need fertilizer?
Yes. Fertilize with fruit or berry fertilizer once in spring and again in summer. You can also add compost to the plants at any time.
Do Snowbank White Blackberries ever turn black?
Snowbank White Blackberries actually start out a dark purple-black when very small, and become white as they grow larger and ripen.
Can Snowbank Blackberry plants be grown in pots?
Yes, Snowbank Blackberry Plants can grow in pots. However the plants like to ramble and climb, so even potted plants will need something to climb on and plenty of space in full sun.
Are Snowbank White Blackberry Plants cold hardy?
Yes, Snowbank Blackberry Plants are capable of living through harsh winters. The plants can survive below freezing and tolerate low temperatures down to -10ºF.
Laura (verified owner) –
It’s a wonderful plant! Arrived with a few frog friends in it haha, I hope it continues to grow and do well!
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