Brambles (blackberries and raspberries) are a minor commercial crop in Indiana. There are only about 100 acres of commercial production, but these crops are popular in the home fruit planting. Blackberries are relatively cold tender, with injury likely if winter temperatures are lower than -10°F. Consequently, they are primarily grown in the southern 1/2 of the state. Thorny blackberries are generally a little more cold hardy than thornless types. Blackberries tolerate hot, dry conditions fairly well.
There are a number of new varieties of blackberries that have excellent fruit size and quality. A new type of blackberry, primocane fruiting, have been introduced recently and make production in colder areas feasible.
Raspberries (both black and red) are more cold hardy than blackberries and are grown throughout the state. Unlike blackberries, raspberries perform best in cool sites. Raspberries (particularly reds) have a fairly short chilling requirement and often break dormancy prior to the last frost free date. Consequently, late winter and early spring damage can occur if cold temperatures occur after plant growth begins. This problem seems to be more common in the southern part of the state where spring warm-up occurs early. Damage usually shows up after a period of hot, dry conditions.
Below you will find information on production of blackberries and raspberries in Indiana.