Species Black Raspberry Guide

Black Raspberry

Rubus occidentalis

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Layering Propagation,Cutting,Division,Seed Propagation,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

Full sun Partial sun

Soil:

Sandy,Loamy,Rocky

Fruits:

purple,black Fruits Ready In

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,red,purple

Growth Rate:

High

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Black Raspberry plants should be watered deeply and often in the spring and summer when they are actively growing. In the fall, watering should be reduced until it can be stopped for the winter season when the plants enter dormancy. During its growing season, Black Raspberry plants should be watered every 7–10 days. Water approximately 1–2 inches at a time and ensure the ground is thoroughly soaked with each watering. The soil should remain moist but not soggy. During times of extended dry spells, increase the amount and frequency of watering to prevent the plant from wilting.

sunlight

Black Raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) prefers full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade. It needs 6–8 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth. When planted in full sun, it will produce more fruit but will require more water and fertilization than plants in partial shade. The plant should be located in an area that gets the most early morning sun as this helps yield the sweetest berries.

pruning

Black Raspberries should be pruned during the dormant season, which is usually late winter or early spring. Pruning should be done to remove old and diseased canes, as well as to promote new growth and increase yields. When pruning Black Raspberries,it is important to remove all the dead, damaged, and weak canes that sprouted from the previous season. Also, remove diseased or insect-infested canes. Prune the canes back to approximately 2 to 3 feet in height, at the ground level. This will ensure that the new canes that grow will be healthy and strong. In addition to pruning, it's important to maintain a balance between renewal and fruiting canes. For best results, prune at least 1/3 of the older canes each year, and do not remove more than 1/2 of the fruiting canes at 1 time. This will help promote growth and yields of new, productive canes.