Growing and caring for black raspberries, pruning and propagation

Black raspberry varieties differ from red ones in a number of ways. When growing and caring for black raspberries, it's important to consider all these characteristics to ensure a large harvest with excellent flavor.

Features of black-fruited varieties

Black raspberries resemble blackberries in appearance. To determine the type of berry growing on the bush, you need to pick them. The raspberry's interior will always be hollow, and the receptacle will remain attached to the branch. The berry's unusual appearance is its main characteristic, which is why many gardeners consider it an exotic variety and try to grow it in their gardens.

Botanical description of the plant and fruits

Black raspberry varieties produce hemispherical shaped fruits. The bushes of this crop are loose, with pale stems with a slight bluish tint, and branches 1.5-2.5 meters long. The popularity of black raspberries is due to their beneficial properties. The fruits contain vitamins, fiber, polysaccharides, tannins, and a number of other beneficial elements. When weighing the benefits and harms of eating berries, it's important to consider that, compared to red raspberries, black raspberries are higher in calories (72 kcal per 100 g). They are often included in low-protein diets due to their low protein and fat content.

Susceptibility to pests and diseases

Black raspberries have the advantage of being highly resistant to infections. They are also rarely attacked by harmful insects. Despite their immunity, improper care and unfavorable environmental conditions can trigger the development of diseases. Verticillium wilt is a common ailment of black raspberries. Affected bushes are pruned and destroyed, as this viral disease is incurable.

Resistance to sub-zero temperatures

The crop is resistant to low temperatures and does not slow down when exposed to frost. When growing in regions with extremely low temperatures, covering material can be used to protect the bushes from freezing.

Main differences from red-fruited crops

The main difference between the crops is in their appearance, including the color and shape of the fruit.Most black-fruited varieties have a sweeter flavor and are considered dessert varieties. Black raspberry bushes can yield up to 10 kg, exceeding the yield of red berries. Another distinctive feature is their more robust root system, located at a depth of approximately 1.5 m, allowing them to withstand periods of drought.

How to propagate black raspberries

There are several ways to increase the number of black raspberry bushes. Depending on the condition of the plant, your own capabilities, and your preferences, you should choose the appropriate propagation method.

Apical layering

The optimal method for propagating the plant is by burying the apical cuttings. At the end of August, healthy, strong stems are bent toward the ground and covered with soil.

For convenience, you can lower the cuttings into small trenches and secure them firmly. It's important that the growing point is above the surface.

By early winter, the cuttings are covered with a layer of sawdust, peat, or straw for insulation. Many gardeners limit themselves to hilling the cuttings and then cover them with a layer of snow in winter. After the snow melts, the rooted cuttings are separated from the mother plant and grown in their permanent location.

Horizontal layering

In case propagation of raspberries by horizontal layering New bushes begin to bear fruit as early as the second year. The propagation process involves the following steps:

1. In May, dig 10 cm deep furrows away from the mother plant. Cover the bottom of the furrows with a layer of sand.
2. Green stems are placed at the bottom of the furrows, cutting off the lower and lateral branches with pruning shears.
3. The shoots are covered with soil and the tops of the shoots are cut off.
4. The cuttings are watered with a growth stimulator.
5. In early autumn, new plants are separated and transplanted to their permanent location. To replant the cuttings, dig them up along with the root ball.

Green cuttings

Propagating the plant by cuttings is best done in a protected environment for easier moisture control. Woody shoots are divided into cuttings with several healthy buds.

The cuttings are immersed in a growth stimulator solution for 10 hours, after which they are planted in fertile soil.

It's important to understand that not all cuttings will root. The best time to propagate raspberries by cuttings is early spring. If the recommended timing is followed, by early fall it will be clear which plants will continue to grow.

Landing specifics

When planting a crop, there are a number of nuances to consider. Following basic rules will help avoid complications and improve yields.

Preparing the planting hole and seedlings

To plant seedlings in a garden plot, dig holes 1.5 meters deep. Add a mixture of mineral fertilizers to the bottom of the holes. The seedlings are pre-soaked in a growth stimulator for 10 hours.

Timing and planting patterns for bushes

Raspberry planting can begin in the second half of April. If done correctly, the berries will be ready by July. Planting can also be done in the fall, before frost sets in. When planting several raspberry bushes, leave 1-1.2 meters between them. The space between rows should be 1.5-1.8 meters.

Step-by-step algorithm for planting operations

Planting is carried out according to a standard procedure. To properly plant black raspberries, you need to:

• place the seedling in the prepared hole;
• spread the roots at the bottom of the hole, trying not to damage them;
• Fill the hole with soil and compact it lightly.

Specifics of caring for black chokeberry varieties

Routine care of black raspberry bushes involves a number of agricultural practices. To properly care for this crop, it's important to understand the nuances of these techniques.

Watering

Black raspberries don't require regular watering, as their roots can store and gradually release water. If the bushes have a large number of berries, watering them once a week is sufficient.

Loosening and mulching the soil

The soil around the bushes should be loosened periodically to allow moisture to penetrate to the lower layers. To avoid loosening the soil, you can cover it with mulch. Mulch materials such as leaves, straw, peat, and hay are all good options.

Fertilization

Fertilizers can be applied in spring and fall. For convenience, it's recommended to use complex fertilizers that contain all the necessary nutrients.

Seasonal treatments

For preventative purposes, protective treatments for bushes should be included in agricultural practices. Typically, plants are sprayed with insecticides and fungicides in the summer and early fall.

Shelter for the winter

Special covering materials help protect bushes from severe frosts. Thick polyethylene and burlap can also be used as covering. The material is draped over the bushes and secured with rope.

Garter and shaping

Regular pruning is intended to remove old shoots and dried leaves. Staking is only necessary for tall varieties that tend to bend under their own weight and in gusts of wind.

The best varieties of black raspberries

When choosing a variety of chokeberry, it's important to familiarize yourself with the best cultivars. Each type has its own unique characteristics.

Boysenberry

The main characteristic of the Boysenberry variety is its sweet, slightly tart flavor. The berry has an intense aroma and is considered a dessert fruit.

Bristol

The Bristol variety is characterized by medium vigor. The bushes reach a height of 2.5-3 m. The stems are covered with large thorns.

Gift of Siberia

The Dar Sibiri black raspberry is prized for its high yield and resistance to adverse environmental conditions. This mid-late variety is harvested in 2-3 stages.

Early Cumberland

The Early Cumberland variety is resistant to extremely low temperatures and various diseases. It is considered an early variety, producing fruit earlier than most other varieties. Each branch produces 15-17 medium-sized berries.

Litach

The Litach raspberry bears fruit on two-year-old canes and is distinguished by curved shoots with large thorns. The bushes are vigorous, producing small, spherical berries.

New Logan

The early-ripening New Logan variety is similar to the Cumberland variety. Plants reach 2 meters in height, with stiff stems and medium-sized berries with a glossy surface.

Turn

The Povorot berry variety has become popular due to its high resistance to frost, drought, and pests. Plants reach a height of 2.6 meters, with spreading, vigorous bushes.

Coal

The Ugolok variety has moderately spreading bushes, producing 10-12 shoots. The fruits are juicy, large, richly dark in color, and sweet and sour. Each bush yields 5-8 kg.

Luck

The early-ripening Udacha raspberry is distinguished by its low thorn count—the spines are small and single. The berries are spherical and weigh 2.2 g. They do not fall off when ripe.

Black Jewel

Black Jewel perennial shrubs are considered mid-season. The bushes form strong shoots up to 2.5 m tall.

Kimberly

The hybrid variety Kimberly produces black-purple raspberries with a slight bloom and a shiny surface. The crop is suitable for all-purpose use.