Big Daddy Blackberry Bush

Big Daddy, sold as Rubus ‘Valentina’, is an upright, thornless blackberry grown for its large dark fruit. Its short, stiff canes can form a compact hedgerow, and ripe berries are harvested in mid to late summer. ## Site and fruiting Plant in full sun in well-drained soil; PlantingTree recommends sandy loam with a pH of 5.5–6.5. Keep the soil moist during hot weather and fruiting. The cultivar is self-fruitful, so a second blackberry is not required for fruit set. PlantingTree lists Zones 5–8 and Ison’s lists Zones 5–9; use the more conservative range where winter protection is limited. [PlantingTree’s Big Daddy profile](https://www.plantingtree.com/products/big-daddy-blackberry-bush?variant=40481327185967) and [Ison’s Nursery’s current listing](https://www.isons.com/shop/berry-plants/blackberry/big-daddy-blackberry-plant/) give cultivar-specific growing details. ## Maintenance Prune to keep the canes within the row and prevent tangling. PlantingTree recommends pinching the tips once canes reach about 4 ft and removing growth outside the hedgerow; clear away damaged or crowded canes as needed. Leave enough room for picking and seasonal cane growth.