Light. Grows in full sun or partial shade. In Florida, plants with afternoon shade have yielded more fruit than plants in full sun.
Water. Water regularly; irrigation is essential in dry weather.
Soil and feeding. It grows in many soils as long as they drain well. Feed every three months with a balanced fertilizer, following the label, and keep the plant mulched.
Size. A large, thorny, cane-forming shrub that can grow over 15 ft without pruning. Growing it on a trellis or wire keeps the canes upright.
Pruning. Prune often to keep canes short and off the ground, where cane tips root and spread. Remove canes after they fruit to encourage new growth.
Problems to watch. Stink bugs, thrips and mites damage young leaves; aphids spread a leaf-curl virus. Spray Insecticidal Soap on non-fruiting canes. Birds also take fruit.
Good to know. It fruits in its first year. Berries are ripe when purple-black. Wear leather gloves: the thorns are hooked and sharp.
