Berryfruit - Hybridberry |
Rubus hybrid |
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In proper botanical language, it is not a berry at all, but instead an aggregate fruit of numerous drupelets around a central core. It typically grows in forest clearings or fields, particularly where fire or wood-cutting has produced open space by this opportunistic colonizer of disturbed soil. The raspberry like flower can be a major nectar source for honeybees. As a cultivated plant in moist temperature regions, it is easy to grow. Hybridberries are also known as brambles.
Landscape Value
A very tasty screening plant, on the side of a deck or a fence Try it in a pillar-rose frame as a focal point in the garden or container. Wherever you plant it make sure the fruit can be picked and eaten fresh by you.
Nutritional Value
High in antioxidants and full of minerals and vitamins and also plenty of fibre.
How to Eat
Fresh, fresh or fresh; in Gran’s jam or add it to a fresh summer salad. Better still add them to a plate full of ice-cream. Watch the kids eat them straight off the plant. Try some of our tasty recipes for berryfruit on the website. Berryfruit do not keep long so use any excess for your jams and preserves.
Expected Yield
On a mature plant 5 kg.
Generic Fruiting Time
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
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Growing
Sun
Open sunny position. In northern areas plant to protect from afternoon sun.
Wind
Exposure to wind is not a problem but will not tolerant salt.
Climate
Chilling hours are needed to set fruit but if you can grow apples you can grow brambles.
Soil
Soil rich in organic matter with good drainage is essential. Use raised beds if drainage is doubtful. Roots are close to surface so will benefit from mulching with organic matter and regular watering during dry periods.
Planting
Space plants 1.5m apart.
Fertiliser
Mulch well each winter with compost and manure. Apply general fertiliser in spring.
Pruning
Prune in winter to remove canes that have fruited and old or damaged ones. Tie the remaining canes to the top of support frame removing any excess growth. As new canes grow tie them up to avoid stragglers and supports their growth. The support frame can be wires strung up on a fence, a rose pillar or something similar … read more about pruning
Pests
Apply several copper sprays in winter for fungal disease control. Planted in an open space with free air flow will help keep diseases at bay. Can be susceptible to the larvae of moths & butterflies, these can be controlled with insecticides. DO NOT spray within seven days of harvest.
Hardiness
-5°C
Special Conditions
Bird netting may be required to keep the birds off. Extra water at fruiting time will improve fruit quality, but apply to the base of the plant to avoid wetting the fruit.