Blackberry Loch Ness: A High-Yielding Thornless Variety
Rubus fruticosus
Position
- Full sun for the best fruit production
- Can tolerate partial shade with slightly reduced yields
- Sheltered from strong winds
- Avoid frost pockets to protect flowers and early fruits
Hardiness
- Hardy down to -20°C (-4°F)
Soil Type
- Well-drained fertile soil
- Moisture-retentive but not waterlogged
- Rich in organic matter
- Loamy or sandy soil preferred
Soil PH
- Neutral to slightly acidic
Height
- Height: 120-150cm (4-5 feet)
- Spread: 150-200cm (5-6.5 feet)
Seasons of Interest
- Flowering: Late spring (May-June) with clusters of white or pale pink flowers
- Fruiting: Late summer to early autumn (August to September)
Additional Notes
- Thornless, making harvesting much easier and more comfortable
- Compact and upright growth ideal for small gardens or training on trellises
- Produces large, shiny blackberries with a sweet, slightly tart flavour
- High-yielding and reliable variety, suitable for UK climates
- Plant 200cm apart in rows with good air circulation to prevent disease
- Benefits from a support system like wires or a trellis to hold canes upright
- Mulch annually to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Prune out fruited canes in winter and tie new growth onto supports
- Excellent for fresh eating, jams, baking, and freezing
- Strong disease resistance makes it easy to grow
- RHS Award of Garden Merit for reliable performance and superior fruit quality
Thornless Blackberry Loch Ness: The Perfect Berry for Your Garden
Why Grow Blackberry Loch Ness?
Blackberry Loch Ness is a British-bred blackberry plant known for its heavy cropping and thornless canes. With its firm, glossy-black conical fruits and excellent shelf-life, it is one variety used by commercial growers for its superior quality. This easy-to-grow blackberry plant thrives in well-drained soil and can produce up to 3.6kg of delicious fruit per bush. If you are looking for a low-maintenance, high-yielding soft fruit, Blackberry Loch Ness is a perfect choice.
How to Grow Blackberry Loch Ness Successfully
Choosing the Best Location
For the best results, grow Loch Ness in full sun with well-drained soil. This variety thrives in nutrient-rich soil, enriched with well-rotted manure or garden compost. A sheltered spot helps protect the fruit from wind damage and enhances the quality of the berries.
Planting Blackberry Loch Ness
- Space plants 2m apart to allow for proper growth.
- Use a trellis or wall to support the stems and thornless canes.
- Water well after planting to establish strong roots.
- Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Caring for Your Blackberry Bush
- Prune the canes after fruiting to encourage new growth.
- Support the stems using a trellis or wall for better fruit production.
- Use well-rotted manure or garden compost annually to boost nutrients.
When and How to Harvest Blackberry Loch Ness
Recognising Ripe Berries
Loch Ness begins fruiting in mid-August and can continue producing until the first frosts. The berries turn a rich glossy black when fully ripe and are firm and flavourful.
Picking and Storing
- Pick berries when they are firm and glossy black.
- Store in a cool place or freeze for long-term use.
- Handle gently, as ripe berries can be delicate.
Protecting Blackberry Loch Ness from Pests and Diseases
Common Pests and How to Manage Them
- Aphids and beetles: Encourage natural predators to keep populations low.
- Birds: Use netting to prevent birds from eating the fruit.
- Fungal diseases: Ensure good airflow and avoid overwatering.
Disease Resistance
Loch Ness has good resistance to Purple Blotch and Botrytis but is susceptible to Downy Mildew, which requires regular control.
Best Uses for Blackberry Loch Ness
Enjoying the Superior Flavour
- Fresh Eating: Enjoy the firm and flavourful berries 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.
Key Points to Remember:
- Plant in full sun with well-drained soil
- Support the thornless canes on a trellis or wall
- Harvest from mid-August until the first frosts 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
By following these steps, you can successfully grow Blackberry Loch Ness and enjoy an abundant harvest of high-quality fruit!
To see the RHS article please click here
For more information on Fruit for your garden please click here
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes the Loch Ness blackberry plant special?
A: The Loch Ness is a thornless variety of Rubus fruticosus, making it incredibly easy to harvest without worrying about prickles. It’s also a heavy cropper, meaning you’ll enjoy an abundance of delicious berries!
Q: How do I grow blackberry plants like Loch Ness?
A: Growing Loch Ness blackberry plants is simple! Plant them in well-drained soil and a sunny spot. They thrive in fertile conditions, so adding well-rotted manure or garden compost will help them flourish.
Q: Can I grow Loch Ness blackberries in a smaller garden?
A: Absolutely! The Loch Ness plant is well-suited to container growing, making it perfect for smaller gardens. Keep in mind that it can reach up to 2.5m in height, so choose a pot that allows for vertical growth.
Q: Are Loch Ness blackberry plants self-fertile?
A: Yes! One of the best things about the Loch Ness is that it’s self-fertile. This means you only need one plant to produce fruit—ideal if you have limited space.
Q: When is the best time to plant blackberry bushes?
A: The best time to plant Loch Ness bushes is in spring or autumn. Ensure the soil is well-drained and avoid extreme weather conditions. With the right care, you’ll be harvesting berries by mid-August!
Q: How can I ensure my Loch Ness blackberry plants produce a heavy crop?
A: To encourage a bumper crop, plant them in a sunny position and enrich the soil with nutrients. Regular feeding with well-rotted manure or a balanced fertiliser will help maximise fruit production.
Q: Where can I buy Loch Ness blackberry plants?
A: Loch Ness plants are available from local garden centres or online retailers. Look for pot-grown plants in 3-litre pots for the best quality, and check for the RHS Award of Garden Merit to ensure reliability.
Q: How tall do Loch Ness blackberry plants grow?
A: These plants typically reach heights of 1.8m to 2.5m, so be prepared for a substantial plant! If growing in a container, choose a tall pot to support their growth.
Q: What should I do if my blackberry plants aren’t producing fruit?
A: If your Loch Ness blackberry plants aren’t fruiting, the cause could be poor soil, lack of sunlight, or insufficient nutrients. Ensure they are in a well-drained, fertile position and consider giving them a boost with compost or fertiliser.