Fresh blackberries have a window. Not a wide, forgiving window like apples that hang on a tree for months — a specific, narrow window that opens in Marietta somewhere around mid-June and closes in late August. Miss it, and you're waiting another year. We want to help you not miss it.
At Steward Farms, we pick at peak ripeness only. We don't harvest early to extend shelf life. We don't hold berries in cold storage for weeks before selling them. What we offer is genuinely fresh — picked the same day or the day before it reaches you — which means availability is real-time and unpredictable by nature. This calendar is our best forecast for 2026 based on bloom dates we've observed and what the growing season looks like so far.
2026 Season Timeline
Canes blooming · Green berries forming
The canes are in full bloom and the first tiny green berries are forming on the clusters. It's exciting to see but there is nothing to eat yet. Don't even think about it. This is the month to follow us on Facebook so you're ready when the moment comes.
First red berries appearing · Color developing
The berries are turning from green to red to purple. You can feel the anticipation on the canes. The first ones that turn dark are tempting, but they'll still be tart — the sugars haven't peaked yet. Hold tight. We'll announce when it's actually time.
First deep purple-black clusters ready · Season opens
This is when we start picking. The first clusters to ripen are the ones at the ends of the canes with the most sun exposure — deep purple-black, releasing from the stem with almost no resistance, running dark juice. Follow our Facebook page to know the exact date. We post as soon as we're picking.
Most abundant harvest · Best flavor · Full production
This is the moment. July is peak Steward Farms blackberry season. Every cane is producing, the sugars are at maximum, and the berries are as dark and deep as they'll get all year. Availability is at its highest, but so is demand — we sell out quickly. This is the time to buy in quantity if you're planning to freeze or preserve.
Second flush arriving · Late canes producing
The primocanes — first-year canes that fruit later than the floricanes — are coming in with their second flush of the season. The berries are excellent: slightly smaller than peak July berries but intensely flavored. If you missed July, this is your second chance.
Last of the season · Limited availability
The season is winding down. Availability is limited and we can't guarantee what we'll have week to week. If you've been following us on Facebook, you'll know exactly what's left. This is genuinely the last call. After late August, the season is done until 2027.
Pruning · Primocane management · Planning for 2027
No berries available. We're cutting back the spent floricanes, managing root zones, and working the soil for next year. It's the quietest month on the farm, but the work done now determines how good the 2027 season will be.
How to Be First in Line
The honest answer is simple: follow us on Facebook at @stewardfarmsmarietta and turn on notifications for our posts.
When berries are ready, we post an availability update. Sometimes we have a day's warning, sometimes it's same-day. Fresh blackberries don't keep on the cane indefinitely — once they're ripe, they need to come off, and we sell what we pick immediately. The people who respond first to those posts are the ones who get berries. It's that direct.
- Follow on Facebook: facebook.com/stewardfarmsmarietta — this is where we post all availability.
- Turn on notifications: On the Facebook page, click "Following" and choose "Favorites" or "All Notifications" so you see posts as soon as they go up.
- Respond quickly: When we post availability, reach out fast. Our berries sell out within hours during peak season.
- Buy in quantity: If you can, buy more than you need immediately and freeze the rest. Blackberries freeze beautifully and taste excellent for six months or more.
What to Do With a Big Haul
If you manage to get your hands on a large quantity during peak July season, don't let any of it go to waste. Freezing is the best preservation method for flavor retention, and it's easier than canning.
Spread the berries in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and freeze for two to three hours until solid. Then transfer to zip-lock freezer bags, press out the air, label with the date, and store in the freezer. This flash-freeze method keeps the berries from clumping together, so you can pour out exactly what you need later.
Frozen Steward Farms berries retain their flavor remarkably well for six to eight months — long enough to carry you through to the next season. They work perfectly in smoothies, cobblers, pancakes, and sauces straight from frozen. For preserves, thaw completely and drain any excess liquid before starting your recipe. We've written up Gen's full blackberry lemon preserves recipe in our preserves post — it's a great way to put up a large batch to enjoy all winter.
We look forward to seeing you this season. The 2026 crop is looking strong — the spring blooms were dense, the weather has been cooperative, and if the last two weeks of June hold to form, we're going to have an excellent harvest. Follow along on Facebook and we'll see you in the patch.
