How to Grow Boysenberries: A Complete Guide for a Bumper Harvest

Rubus ursinus × Rubus idaeus

Boysenberries are a delicious and rewarding fruit to grow in your garden. This hybrid berry, a cross between a blackberry, loganberry, and raspberry, offers a rich, sweet-tart flavour and a generous harvest. If you’re looking for an easy-to-grow, cold-tolerant berry bush, thornless boysenberry plants are an excellent choice. Read on to discover how to plant, care for, and harvest these juicy berries straight from the bush!

Boysenberries belong to the Rubus genus, making them part of the blackberry family. This large aggregate fruit is a deep maroon colour when ripe and has a reddish-purple berry hue that sets it apart from other hybrid berries. The origins of the boysenberry are unclear, but it was first cultivated in the 1920s in California by horticulturist Rudolph Boysen. Later, Walter Knott of Knott’s Berry Farm commercialised the fruit, making it widely popular.

Growing boysenberries is a great choice for home gardeners. They are easy to grow, cold tolerant, and offer a unique taste that is both sweet and slightly tangy. Additionally, they can be used to make jams, pies, and other delicious treats.

When looking to buy boysenberry plants, you’ll find a variety of products available online and in nurseries. Opt for a thornless variety for easier handling and harvesting. The best time to plant boysenberries is in early spring or autumn when the soil is workable.

When purchasing, look for healthy plants with strong root systems. Online suppliers such as Scotplants Direct UK offer high-quality cultivars. If you are new to growing boysenberries, consider starting with a new thornless cultivar of boysenberry for an easier gardening experience.

To plant boysenberries, choose a location with full sun and well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the roots, ensuring the base of the plant is level with the soil surface.

Add well-rotted compost or manure to improve soil fertility. Space each plant about 1.5 metres (5 feet) apart to allow for proper airflow and growth. Mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Boysenberry bushes require consistent watering, especially during dry periods. Water deeply at least once a week to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Feed in early spring with a balanced fertiliser to encourage strong growth. Train on wires or a trellis to keep the canes off the ground and improve air circulation. This also makes harvesting easier and prevents fruit from rotting.

Pruning is essential for maintaining healthy boysenberry bushes. After harvesting, prune old canes down to the ground to encourage new canes for the next season. Remove weak or dead stems and train the strongest canes on a trellis or wires.

Prune in late winter before new growth begins. This helps the plant focus its energy on producing high-quality fruit.

Boysenberries typically ripen in mid to late summer. The fruits are characterised by their deep maroon colour and soft texture. They are easy to pick when fully ripe and should come off the cane with a gentle tug.

Harvesting should be done every few days during peak ripening to ensure the best flavour. Freshly picked boysenberries have a short shelf life, so enjoy them soon after picking or use them in jams and desserts.

Like many brambles, boysenberry bushes can be affected by pests such as aphids, spider mites, and raspberry beetles. Keep an eye out for signs of infestation and use organic pest control methods if necessary.

Fungal diseases like powdery mildew and root rot can also be problematic. Ensure good airflow by spacing plants properly and avoiding overhead watering.

Boysenberries can be propagated by tip layering or root cuttings. To propagate by tip layering, bend a healthy cane to the ground and bury the tip in soil. After a few weeks, new roots will form, and you can separate the new plant from the parent.

Root cuttings are another method. Simply take sections of root, plant them in moist soil, and wait for new growth to emerge.

Boysenberries are often compared to loganberries, raspberries, and dewberries. While all belong to the Rubus genus, boysenberries have a unique reddish-purple hue, a flavour that balances sweetness and tartness, and large, juicy fruit.

They differ from loganberries and raspberries in both size and taste. The hybrid variety called Rubus × loganobaccus has a more tart profile, while the American dewberry is smaller and more trailing in growth habit.

Key Points to Remember:

• Boysenberries are a hybrid berry bred from blackberries, raspberries, and loganberries
• They are easy to grow, cold tolerant, and produce large, reddish-purple fruit with a unique flavour
• Buy boysenberry plants from reputable suppliers, ensuring they are healthy and well-rooted
• Plant boysenberries in full sun with well-draining, nutrient-rich soil
• Train boysenberry bushes on a trellis or wires to keep them off the ground
• Water consistently, fertilise in early spring, and mulch to retain moisture
• Prune old canes after harvesting to encourage new growth
• Harvest ripe fruit when it reaches a deep maroon colour and enjoy it fresh or in jams
• Watch for common pests and diseases, using organic solutions when possible
• Propagate new plants using tip layering or root cuttings

With proper care and attention, you can enjoy an abundant harvest of delicious boysenberries straight from your garden!

To see the RHS article please click here

For more information on Fruit for your garden please click here

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What exactly are boysenberries?

A: Boysenberries are a hybrid fruit, a cross between several berries, including the raspberry (Rubus idaeus) and blackberry (Rubus ursinus). They have a distinctive deep purple-black colour and are celebrated for their sweet yet tangy flavour.

Q: How do boysenberries taste?

A: Boysenberries offer a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness, with a flavour profile reminiscent of both raspberries and blackberries. If you’ve ever tried a Rubus boysenberry, you’ll know they have a wonderfully intense taste!

Q: Where do boysenberries come from?

A: Boysenberries were first cultivated on Rudolph Boysen’s farm in California. Today, they are primarily grown commercially in Oregon, which is now the world’s leading producer of these succulent berries.

Q: Are boysenberries easy to grow at home?

A: Not particularly! Boysenberries can be a bit tricky to cultivate as they require specific soil conditions and a suitable climate. If you’re keen to give it a go, be sure to research their growing requirements carefully.

Q: When are boysenberries ready to harvest?

A: Boysenberries typically ripen and are ready to harvest in mid to late summer. If you’re growing them at home, watch out for their colour changing to a deep purple-black, which signals they’re ready to pick.

Q: Do boysenberries have seeds?

A: Yes, they do. Like other fruits in the Rubus family, boysenberries contain relatively large seeds. However, they are not overly intrusive and contribute to the fruit’s unique texture.

Q: Are there any health benefits to eating boysenberries?

A: Absolutely! Boysenberries are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They’re a great source of fibre while being naturally low in calories, making them a fantastic choice for a nutritious snack.

Q: Can I find boysenberries in shops?

A: Yes, although they’re not as widely available as other berries. You can often find fresh or frozen boysenberries in supermarkets and speciality food shops, especially during the summer months.

Q: Where can boysenberry plants be purchased?

A: Boysenberries can be found in garden centres or online if you’re looking to grow them yourself. You can also buy fresh or frozen boysenberries online from specialist fruit suppliers.

Q: What are some popular uses for boysenberries?

A: Boysenberries are incredibly versatile! They are perfect for making jams, jellies, and pies, or simply enjoying fresh. They also work beautifully in smoothies, desserts, and even savoury sauces.

Q: Where can I learn more about boysenberries?

A: For more information on boysenberries and their cultivation, you can check out gardening resources, agricultural studies, or reputable publications such as those from Oxford University Press. Online gardening forums and websites are also great places to find growing tips and recipes!