Blackberry Farming in Kenya: A Rising Opportunity for Smart Farmers

Blackberry farming is an emerging and untapped opportunity in Kenya’s agriculture sector. Blackberries are mostly unknown and underutilized in the country, despite their health benefits and market potential being widely known. Kenya is perfectly positioned to cultivate this niche into a viable agribusiness enterprise as demand for nutritious, antioxidant-rich fruits grows both locally and globally. In Kenya, most of its cultivation is done by big horticulture companies like Tripple A and Vegpro among others. The market for the fruit is growing at a very high pace and therefore it’s time for small scale farmers to get into its production to cover the rising unmet demand and be part of the revolution.

The current farmgate price stands at Ksh 130 per 125g punnet, that equates to about Ksh 1,000 per kilo. The retail price ranges from Ksh 350-450 depending on where you buy them. It falls under the most expensive fruits found in the Kenyan market. It stands toe to toe with the likes of blueberry and above dragon fruit cost wise.

Blackberry price at Artcaffe Market

Blackberries, scientifically known as Rubus fruticosus, are perennial shrubs that produce delicious, dark-purple berries rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and therapeutic plant compounds. They are widely grown in temperate climates and are popular in countries like; United States, the United Kingdom, and South Africa. In Kenya, conditions in the highland regions are well-suited for growing these berries, yet adoption remains low due to limited awareness, lack of planting materials, and minimal agronomic support.

Being that it is a shrub it also does well in dry regions like our farm in Kiritiri, Embu. Fruits from those regions are normally sweeter as compared to those grown in highlands only difference is that you will need some water for irrigation.

The Ideal Conditions for Blackberry Growth in Kenya

If blackberries are to thrive, they must be grown in areas with suitable soil and climate conditions. The crop thrives in moderate to subtropical climates, which Kenya's central highlands are ideal for. Perfect sites are those between 1,500 and 2,700 meters above sea level, as they provide the lower temperatures that blackberries require to fruit well.

Blackberries prefer temperatures ranging from 15°C to 28°C with annual rainfall of 800 mm to 1,200 mm. The ideal amount of full sun exposure per day is between six and eight hours; therefore, avoid growing in heavily shaded areas.

Soil is also quite important. Blackberries thrive in loamy, well-drained soils rich in organic materials. The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 6.5. Before beginning any type of planting, farmers should consider conducting a soil test to determine the pH and nutrient value of their soils. This will inform judgments on whether to use lime, compost, or other additives to create optimal growing conditions.

Varieties

Several blackberry varieties have been developed for different climates, growth patterns, and pest and disease resistance. Although Kenya does not yet have fully registered local varieties, some imported cultivars can thrive in the local environment. Generally, producers should select disease-resistant, high-yielding varieties.

Fit options include Navaho, Apache, Chester, and Triple Crown. Navaho and Apache are easier to care for because they are straight and have no thorns. Chester is well-known for its disease tolerance and high yield, while Triple Crown produces good berries and grows quickly. It is critical to plant certified, disease-free stock.

Planting Techniques and Propagation

Blackberries can be propagated by root cuttings, suckers from established plants, or tissue culture. Root cuttings and suckers offer smallholders a low-cost and simple method of multiplication. Choosing suckers requires selecting healthy, disease-free material from successful parent plants. We have ready to plant, certified seedlings at our nurseries at Richfarm Kenya.

Seedlings at our Richfarm Kenya nurseries

Land preparation involves ploughing extensively, removing existing vegetation, and constructing raised beds or rows to improve drainage. Depending on whether the type grows erect or trailing, place the plants in rows two to three meters apart. This leaves plenty of area for canopy expansion and air movement. To maximize natural moisture, planting should coincide with the beginning of rain, either in September-October or March-April. Using dried grass or compost mulch at the base of each plant helps to retain moisture and suppress weeds during establishing.

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Trellising and training blackberry plants

Most blackberry cultivars, particularly trailing and semi-erect ones, require support systems for optimal development and fruiting. A trellis structure improves airflow, which minimizes disease incidence, increases sunshine penetration, and aids in cane development.

A two-wire trellis connects strong poles in rows with wires at varied heights—usually 1 meter and 1.5 meters. This configuration allows you to quickly harvest, prune, and support the canes.

Daily farm management

Watering is especially important during the blooming and dry seasons. Drip irrigation is the most effective strategy since it provides regular moisture without wetting the leaves, minimizing the fungus risk. Farmers without irrigation systems must rely on mulching and careful rainfall collection to keep soil moisture levels stable. Use properly decomposed farmyard manure to keep your soils rich in nutrients.

Weed control can be achieved through either constant hand weeding or targeted chemical use. Keeping the farm clean decreases pests and nutrient competition. Mulch helps to keep soil moist and reduces weeping frequency.

Controlling diseases and pests

Blackberries are rather hardy, although they are susceptible to a variety of pests and illnesses, particularly in warm, humid climates. Common pests include aphids, thrips, and spider mites. These insects can degrade leaf quality, interfere with flowering, and kill berries. Aphids and thrips are also known to carry diseases from one plant to another.

Fungal infections such as powdery mildew, anthracnose, and botrytis (grey mold) are common, particularly in areas with high humidity and poor air circulation. A lack of drainage can result in root-related diseases such as verticillium wilt.

Preventive management is the best option available. Farmers should maintain proper spacing, schedule frequent trimming, and avoid irrigation-related leaf wetting. Organic solutions such as compost teas and neem-based sprays can help with natural pest management. Should chemical controls be required, they should be used sparingly and in accordance with safety guidelines.

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Flowering, pollination, and harvest

Blackberries are generally self-pollinating, while pollinators such as bees can significantly increase yields. Planting flowering herbs and avoiding harmful insecticides during the blooming season assist farmers create pollinator-friendly environments.

Seedlings fruiting while still at the nursery

Harvesting can begin as early as four months after transplanting. Berries are plucked when they turn dark black and easily separate with a light pull. Harvesting takes place every two to three days for several weeks. Because of their delicate texture and high perishability, the berries should be handled with care, sorted promptly, and kept cool—ideally between 0°C and 4°C.

For a longer shelf life, farmers may consider freezing or processing berries into jams, juices, or dried fruits.

Value Addition and Market Prospects

Kenya's blackberry market is growing, despite being relatively young. Health-conscious metropolitan consumers are rapidly increasing demand for fresh, nutrient-dense exotic fruits. Blackberries are also popular among cosmetic manufacturers, juice producers, and bakers. The export potential is particularly significant in the Middle Eastern and European markets, which currently value African horticulture products.

Farmers have various options for selling their products. These include local supermarkets, green grocers, outdoor markets, restaurants, and internet farm-to-consumer sites. Contract farming with wine, jam, or juice makers can help to ensure consistent demand and prices.

Another way to increase profitability is through value addition. Blackberries can be used to make a variety of products, including jam, syrup, wine, and dry snacks. In specialized health markets, these products can be more expensive and have a longer shelf life.

Profitability

Though blackberry growth involves a significant initial investment, the long-term returns are equally tempting. Establishing an acre can cost you over Ksh 300,000. This includes labor, fertilizer, seedlings, trellising, and soil preparation. Due to its minimized spacing you can stall with as little as a 50*100 plot worth of seedlings. At full production an acre will give you 5-6 tons of fruit per acre.

Ultimately

For farmers willing to go beyond the norm, blackberry growing in Kenya holds immense promise. Blackberries have the potential to transform modern agribusiness due to their health benefits, high market value, and suitability for Kenya's highlands. Early adopters who make good investments in marketing, farm management, and strategic planning will benefit the most as the market evolves.

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If you wish to start your blackberry farm now, get in touch for consultations or order certified seedlings and we will deliver them wherever you are. Reach us via 0724698357 or shoot us an email at info@richfarmkenya.com.