Loganberry: The Perfect Blend of Raspberry and Blackberry
Rubus × loganobaccus
Position
- Full sun for best fruit production
- Sheltered from strong winds
- Good air circulation
- Avoid frost pockets
Hardiness
- Hardy down to -15°C (5°F)
Soil Type
- Well-drained fertile soil
- Moisture-retentive but not waterlogged
- Rich in organic matter
- Loamy soil preferred
Soil PH
- Slightly acidic to neutral
- Grab a soil test kit and ensure the perfect conditions for growth
Height
- Height: 180-240cm (6-8 feet)
- Spread: 180-240cm (6-8 feet) when trained
Seasons of Interest
- Flowering: Late spring (May-June)
- Fruiting: Mid to late summer (July-August)
- Foliage: Deep green during growing season, yellow-bronze autumn colour
- Deciduous, losing leaves in winter
Additional Notes
- Cross between a blackberry and a raspberry
- Available in both thorny and thornless varieties
- Produces long, dark red fruits
- Distinctive tart-sweet flavour
- Plant 180cm apart in rows
- Requires a strong support system
- Benefits from annual mulching
- Prune out fruited canes after harvest
- Tie in new canes for next year’s crop
- Good disease resistance
- Perfect for cooking, jams, and wine-making
- Less sweet than other hybrid berries
- Performs well in the UK climate
- More vigorous than raspberries
- Fruit softens quickly when ripe
- Excellent for preserves and desserts
- Higher vitamin C content than raspberries
- Long cropping period
- Self-fertile variety
Loganberries vs. Blackberries & Raspberries: What Makes Them Unique?
Why Grow Loganberries?
Loganberries offer the best raspberries and blackberries, producing large, juicy fruit with a rich, slightly tart flavour. These vigorous plants are ideal for gardeners looking to grow soft fruit in their garden or allotment. They thrive with minimal maintenance and provide a bountiful harvest in summer. Loganberries are a fantastic choice for making jams and pies or eating fruit fresh.
What Are Loganberries?
Loganberries are a hybrid of raspberries and blackberries, created accidentally in the late 19th century by James Harvey Logan. This cross resulted in a fruit that resembles a blackberry in shape but has a deep purple-red colour and a more complex flavour. Unlike raspberries, loganberries do not separate from their core when picked, making them juicier and perfect for various culinary uses.
How to Grow Loganberries
Choosing the Right Location
Loganberries prefer a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Their canes need support, so they thrive against a fence, wall, or trellis. The soil should be enriched with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.Planting Loganberries
- Space plants about 1.5-2 metres apart to allow for spreading canes.
- Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the root system.
- Water well after planting and apply a mulch layer to retain moisture.
Supporting the Canes
Since loganberry canes grow long and vigorously, they should be tied onto wires or trellises in a fan shape. This helps keep the fruit accessible and makes pruning easier.
Caring for Loganberry Plants
Watering and Feeding
- Water deeply during dry spells, especially when fruit is forming.
- Apply manure and a balanced fertiliser in early spring to encourage growth.
- Mulch annually to keep moisture levels stable and suppress weeds.
Pruning Loganberries
Loganberries fruit on second-year canes, so pruning is essential for healthy production:
- After harvesting, cut away old canes that have fruited.
- Tie in new canes that will bear fruit the following year.
- Remove weak or overcrowded shoots to improve airflow and prevent disease.
Protecting Loganberries from Pests and Diseases
Common Pests
- Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can weaken plants. Use insecticidal soap or introduce natural predators like ladybirds.
- Birds: Cover plants with netting to prevent birds from eating ripening fruit.
Disease Prevention
- Powdery Mildew: Ensure good airflow by pruning regularly.
- Root Rot: Avoid waterlogged soil by planting in well-drained areas.
Harvesting Loganberries
When to Pick Loganberries
Loganberries ripen from mid-summer to early autumn. Unlike raspberries, they don’t pull away from their core when picked, so they should be gently twisted from the cane.
Best Ways to Use Loganberries
- Fresh Eating: Enjoy their juicy, tart-sweet flavour straight from the plant.
- Jams and Jellies: Their high pectin content makes them perfect for preserves.
- Baking: Use them in pies, crumbles, and cakes for a rich, fruity taste.
- Juices and Syrups: Blend into smoothies or create a delicious dessert syrup.
Popular Loganberry Varieties
- Thornless Loganberry: Easier to handle and maintain due to its lack of spines.
- LY654 Loganberry: Known for its large fruit and vigorous growth.
From Darren’s Patch
I’ve grown loganberries for years, and they’ve become one of my favourite summer soft fruits. There’s something incredibly satisfying about their rich, tangy flavour, like the best parts of a raspberry and a blackberry combined. I train mine along a sunny fence in the garden, and they always reward me with a generous crop perfect for jam-making weekends or a quick handful on the way past. They don’t need much fuss once established, and pruning becomes second nature after a season or two. If you’ve got a bit of space and a sunny spot, I genuinely can’t recommend them enough – they’re reliable, productive, and delicious.
Key Points to Remember:
- Choose a sunny, well-drained location with good support for the canes
- Water well and apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Prune old canes after fruiting and tie in new shoots for next year’s crop
- Protect fruit from birds with netting and monitor for pests
- Enjoy a versatile harvest for fresh eating, preserves, and baking
- By following these steps, you can successfully grow tayberries and enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious, high-quality fruit!
With the proper care, loganberries will reward you with an abundant harvest year after year, making them a valuable addition to any garden or allotment.
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