Blackthorn

Dig the planting hole one-third deeper and wider than the roots. Make sure the hole is deep enough so the taproot doesn't have to be pushed to the side. Plant the seedling, keeping it slightly higher than the final planting depth, rather than right at the bottom of the hole. Ensure the roots are at least 10 cm below the ground. The root collar should eventually be at the boundary between the soil and the air. Some trees also have ridges on the root collar, which makes this easier. When planting the tree, keep it stable. The roots shouldn't point upward or twist during planting, otherwise the tree will become unstable or could strangle itself. Also, spread the roots out as much as possible. This gives the roots sufficient rooting space.

Fill the hole with moist, loose soil. Make sure the soil touching the root hairs (the roots thinner than 1 millimeter) is well crumbled. Shake the tree gently up and down so the soil gets between the root hairs.

Place about 10 centimeters of soil above the root hairs and press it down lightly with your foot, ensuring the roots have good contact with the soil moisture.

For detailed planting instructions, see the planting guide on our website.

The blackthorn has a taproot. To harvest the seedling, insert the spade straight down near the trunk. Carefully create a circle around the plant, pushing the spade into the ground several times, so as not to damage the taproot. Then, using a gentle lever motion, lift the seedling out of the ground. Be sure to dig out the taproot as completely as possible.

The plant doesn't necessarily need pruning. If you do want to prune, once a year after flowering in spring is sufficient, or in winter during the plant's dormant period in January, February, or March. Don't be too careful; the blackthorn can tolerate it if you prune it a bit more vigorously. Remove dead and diseased branches to promote the shrub's health and flowering.

The young blackthorn plant needs plenty of water. During dry periods, it's a good idea to give it extra water in the evening. Watch out for drooping leaves; that means more water is needed. After two or three years, the roots should be deep enough that this is no longer necessary.

You'll find blackthorn in hedgerows, thickets, forest edges, and in bright spots in deciduous forests, such as clearcuts. It prefers full sun. The soil should be moist and nutrient-rich, preferably calcareous. Blackthorn is particularly common in South Limburg in the Netherlands, but areas like the Ooijpolder near Nijmegen also turn white at the end of winter and in early spring with flowering blackthorn. It is one of the first species visited by numerous insects.

The species thrives best in somewhat sheltered but bright locations. It usually grows on dry or moderately moist, loamy or clayey soil. It can also sometimes be found on loamy or clayey sand. Blackthorn thrives in slightly acidic to alkaline soils. It is a true pioneer species, colonizing adjacent, extensively used grassland areas via stolons, which can lead to the formation of thickets. Its ability to grow makes it a suitable species for fixing soil and preventing erosion. This is likely why it was planted along roadsides, on dikes, and slopes.