Blackberry Karaka Black: Tips for Growing Large, Glossy Berries

Rubus fruticosus

Blackberry Karaka Black is a fantastic choice for gardeners looking for a high-yielding, long-season fruiting variety. This variety stands out from traditional blackberries with its large, shiny black berries and excellent flavour. Karaka Black produces a good crop from early July to mid-August, making it one of the longest-cropping blackberry varieties available. Whether you’re growing for fresh eating, preserving, or baking, this vigorous and productive plant is a must-have in any soft fruit garden.

Choosing the Best Location

Grow Blackberry Karaka Black in full sun with well-drained soil for the best results. This variety thrives in nutrient-rich soil, enriched with well-rotted manure or compost. A sheltered spot helps protect the fruit from wind damage and enhances the quality of the berries.

Planting Blackberry Karaka Black

• Space plants 2m apart to allow for proper growth.
• Use a trellis or wall to support the long, arching canes.
• Water well after planting to establish strong roots.
• Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Caring for Your Blackberry Bush

• Prune in late winter to remove old canes and encourage new growth.
• Train canes onto a trellis or fence for better fruit production.
• Use well-rotted manure or compost annually to boost nutrients.

Recognising Ripe Berries

Blackberry Karaka Black starts producing fruit in early July, with harvesting continuing until mid-August. The berries are large, dark black, and firm when fully ripe.

Picking and Storing

• Pick berries when they are shiny black and firm.
• Store in a cool place or freeze for long-term use.
• Handle gently, as ripe berries can be delicate.

Common Pests and How to Manage Them

• Aphids and beetles: Encourage natural predators such as ladybirds and lacewings to help reduce populations naturally. For heavier infestations, apply a gentle insecticidal soap directly to the affected areas, covering the upper and lower leaf surfaces.
• Birds: Use protective netting to stop birds from feeding on ripening fruit and damaging your crop.
• Fungal diseases: To help prevent fungal issues such as mildew and mould, maintain good airflow around the plants and avoid overhead watering.

Disease Resistance

Blackberry Karaka Black has excellent resistance to downy mildew, making it a reliable choice for home gardeners.

Enjoying the Superior Flavour

• Fresh Eating: Enjoy the mild yet delicious flavour straight from the bush.
• Baking: Perfect for pies, crumbles, and tarts.
• Preserving: Makes excellent jams and jellies.
• Freezing: Retains quality when stored for later use.

While I’m not currently growing Karaka Black, it’s a variety that catches my attention. The combination of large, glossy berries and an early, extended cropping season makes it a real contender for any fruit lover’s garden. I find its productivity especially appealing – getting a good harvest from early July right through to mid-August is a real bonus, especially when most other soft fruits are winding down. The flavour is mild but tasty, which I think would be perfect for jam making or adding to a summer crumble. If you don’t mind the odd thorn, Karaka Black could be a brilliant choice for anyone looking to boost their berry patch with a reliable, vigorous plant. Just be sure to give it some space and a sturdy support – those long canes need somewhere to stretch!

• Plant in full sun with well-drained soil
• Support the arching canes on a trellis or wall
• Harvest from early July to mid-August for a long cropping season
• Prune after fruiting to encourage new growth
• Protect fruit from birds and pests with netting
• Enjoy fresh, frozen, or preserved blackberries throughout the year

Following these steps, you can successfully grow Blackberry Karaka Black and enjoy an abundant harvest of high-quality fruit!

To see the RHS article, please click here.

Want to learn about other blackberry varieties? Read about Blackberry Loch Tay here.

For more information on Fruit for your garden, please click here.

Q: What are Karaka Black blackberry plants?

A: Karaka Black blackberry plants are a premium variety (Rubus fruticosus) known for their shiny black fruit and excellent flavour. They’re easy to grow and self-fertile, making them a great addition to your garden!

Q: How do I grow blackberry plants like Karaka Black?

A: Growing Karaka Black plants is super easy! Plant them in full sun, support their thorny canes, and moisten the soil. They thrive in well-drained soil and can be grown as bushes or trained along a trellis.

Q: When do Karaka Black blackberries ripen?

A: You can expect to harvest these delicious blackberries in early July. The fruits will be shiny black, ready to pick once plump, and easy to remove from the cane.

Q: Are Karaka Black blackberry plants thorny?

A: Yes, Karaka Black plants are thorny, so you’ll need to be careful when picking the fruits. If you prefer thornless options, there are other varieties available as well!

Q: Where can I buy black blackberry plants for sale?

A: You can find black blackberry plants for sale at local garden centres or online. Look for UK-grown plants to ensure they’re adapted to your climate.

Q: How big do Karaka Black blackberry plants get?

A: Depending on how you train them, these plants can grow up to 1.8m tall. They produce long canes that need support, so consider using a trellis or wires for the best results.

Q: What kind of care do these blackberry bushes need?

A: Karaka Black bushes need regular watering, especially during dry spells. Mulching can help retain moisture and keep the roots cool. Pruning is also vital to encourage healthy growth and fruit production.

Q: Do I need more than one plant to get fruit?

A: Nope! Karaka Black plants are self-fertile, so you only need one plant to produce delicious fruits. However, planting more can lead to even bigger harvests!

Q: What should I do if my blackberry plants aren’t producing fruit?

A: If your blackberry plants aren’t producing fruit, check for issues like poor sunlight, lack of water, or nutrient deficiencies. Please make sure they’re in a sunny spot, keep the soil moist, and consider adding some organic fertiliser to boost them!