Growing Briar Fruits

(Blackberries/Loganberries/Hybrid Berries)

The great value of these Briar fruits is in their late harvesting period.

All the varieties are self-fertile, so only one plant of each can be grown if need. Some Briar fruits such as Blackberries can grow quite large so plenty of space is required.

Recommended varieties: -

Blackberry - Ashton Cross, Loch Ness.

Loganberry - Variety L654.

Hybrid Berries include - Tayberries, Boysenberry, Youngberry, and Whineberry.

Soil Conditions and Siting

Briar fruits need a deep, fertile and well-drained soil. The pH of the soil should be 6.0. If the pH is above 7.0, iron deficiency may occur. The site should be sheltered and sunny but they will tolerate slight shading.

Supports and Training

Some form of support will also be needed. This usually takes the form of wires supported by stout posts. Space 6ft (1.8m) posts every 6ft (2m). The wires should start 3ft (1m) from the ground and continue every 1ft (30cm) to the top. It is necessary to train the briars in to the wires as they grow. If they are left to sprawl on the ground they will become tangled and impossible to unravel without damage occurring. They fruit on 1-year-old wood so it is necessary to keep the old and the new briars separated. This is usually done by training the shoots to one side of the plant the first year and then training the new shoots the following year in the opposite direction ready for the following year. This is then continued each year using alternate sides of the plant.

Planting

Plant bare rooted stock in winter. They are often sold in containers and these can be planted out at any time of the year. Allow 10ft (3m) between plants. Cut the plants back to 6" (15cm) after planting.

Maintenance

Feeding

Mulch with well rotted manure or compost in spring. If the plants show signs of yellowing between the veins of the leaves, it is almost certain to be caused by iron deficiency. A dressing of seaweed meal or spraying with a seaweed-based fertiliser will cure this problem. A foliar feed of Epsom salts will also cure it. A good mulch of manure in the spring will usually stop this deficiency.

Pruning

After they have finished fruiting, cut all the briars down to ground level.

Harvesting

Pick the fruits when they are ripe. Leave the plug or stalk on when picking. Briar fruits will only keep for 2- 3 days once picked so use straight away or preserve by freezing, bottling or by making into jam.

Pests and Diseases

Wasps, Aphids, Mildew, Botrytis, Virus diseases, Raspberry beetle, Spur Blight and Cane spot are common problems. (See the pests and diseases sections for prevention's and cures).