Blackberry Obsidian: A High-Yielding Early Season Variety

Rubus fruticosus

Blackberry ‘Obsidian’ is a standout early-season variety, prized for its glossy, jet-black berries, firm texture, and richly sweet flavour. Bred in Oregon, this vigorous cultivar is well-suited to UK gardens and has become a favourite among growers looking for a reliable, high-yielding soft fruit. Obsidian provides a generous crop from late June, one of the earliest blackberries to ripen, making it ideal for those who want to kickstart their summer harvest. Blackberry Obsidian offers excellent versatility and taste, whether you’re after fresh fruit for snacking, berries for baking, or reliable produce for freezing and preserving.

Selecting the Ideal Planting Site

For the healthiest plants and heaviest crops, grow Blackberry Obsidian in a sunny, sheltered position with fertile, free-draining soil. Full sun encourages sweeter fruit, while good airflow around the plant helps reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Before planting, enrich the soil with organic matter such as well-rotted manure or compost to boost nutrient levels and improve soil structure.

Planting Tips for Blackberry Obsidian

• Spacing: Leave at least 1.5 metres between plants for adequate airflow and healthy development.
• Support: Train the trailing stems using a trellis, wire fence, or wall. This improves fruit exposure and makes harvesting easier.
• Soil Preparation: Work in plenty of organic manure to ensure a fertile root zone.
• Watering: Water deeply after planting to help establish a strong, healthy root system. Continue to water during dry spells, especially in the first year.

Mulching and Feeding

Apply a generous layer of organic mulch in spring to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and feed the soil. Combine manure and a balanced fertiliser each year to keep the plant vigorous and productive.

Pruning and Training

After fruiting, cut back the old canes that have fruited, leaving the new green canes to produce next year’s crop. Tie these fresh canes into your support structure during late summer or autumn to keep the plant tidy and manageable.

Pest and Disease Monitoring

Keep an eye out for common pests such as aphids and beetles. Encouraging beneficial insects like ladybirds and lacewings is a great organic way to keep populations in check. Aphids can also be treated effectively with a gentle insecticidal soap, applied directly to affected areas. Fungal issues can be minimised by maintaining good airflow around the plants and avoiding overhead watering.

Early Cropping Advantage

One of the key benefits of growing Blackberry Obsidian is its early fruiting season. Berries typically begin ripening in late June and are usually at their peak by early to mid-July. This allows you to enjoy a bountiful harvest before many other varieties begin.

Harvesting and Storage Tips

• When to Pick: Harvest when the berries are black, plump, and firm. They should come away from the stem with a gentle tug.
• Handling: Blackberries bruise easily, so handle them carefully during picking and storage.
• Storing: Store freshly picked berries in a cool, dry place. For longer-term storage, freeze the berries on a tray before transferring them to airtight containers.

Common Pests and Prevention

• Aphids and Beetles: Encourage natural predators like birds and beneficial insects. If necessary, use organic insecticidal soap.
• Fungal Diseases: Avoid waterlogged conditions and ensure your plant receives adequate airflow. Mulch away from the base to prevent stem rot.
• Birds: Protect ripening fruit with bird netting or garden fleece to avoid losing your crop.

Strong Disease Resistance

Blackberry Obsidian is known for its good resistance to common blackberry diseases, including cane blight and mildew. With basic maintenance and good growing conditions, it will remain a productive and attractive plant in your garden for many years.

Flavour and Versatility in the Kitchen

The fruit of Blackberry Obsidian is attractive and packed with flavour. Its firm, juicy texture makes it ideal for a wide range of culinary uses:

• Fresh Eating: Perfect for summer snacks, fruit salads, or topping porridge and yoghurt.
• Baking: Excellent in seasonal desserts such as pies, crumbles, cakes, and tarts.
• Preserving: Makes rich, sweet jams and jellies with a classic blackberry flavour.
• Freezing: Holds its shape and flavour well when frozen, making it an excellent option for long-term storage.

While I haven’t added Obsidian to my patch yet, I can see the appeal. An early harvest is always a bonus in our climate, and filling a bowl with glossy black fruit by late June is tempting! I’ve grown other thornless blackberries over the years, and there’s something incredibly satisfying about training those arching canes and watching them burst into fruit. Obsidian’s firm berries and reliable flavour make it a great candidate if you’re looking for a fuss-free, productive variety with real kitchen versatility. Whether you’re making jam or freezing for winter, this one’s worth considering. If space allows, I may well give it a spot next season!

• Plant in well-drained soil with plenty of sun exposure
• Support trailing stems on a trellis or fence for easy maintenance
• Harvest from late June to early July for a high-yielding crop
• Use organic pest control and prune after fruiting for continued productivity
• Enjoy fresh, frozen, or preserved blackberries throughout the year

Following these simple steps, you can successfully grow Blackberry Obsidian in your garden and enjoy an abundant harvest of delicious fruit!

To see the RHS article, please click here.

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

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

Q: What is the Obsidian blackberry?

A: The Obsidian blackberry is a delicious fruit variety known for its deep black colour and excellent flavour. It was developed in Oregon and is part of the Rubus family, which includes other soft fruit plants like raspberries.

Q: When is the best time to harvest Obsidian blackberries?

A: Obsidian blackberries are typically ready for harvest in July, making them a perfect summer fruit. However, you might also find them producing into autumn, depending on the climate and care given to the bushes.

Q: How large are Obsidian blackberries compared to other varieties?

A: Obsidian blackberries are considered a large variety compared to smaller options. They tend to be heavy and firm, making them perfect for both eating fresh and using in recipes.

Q: Where can I find Obsidian blackberry plants for my garden?

A: You can find Obsidian blackberry plants at local nurseries or online. Just look for reputable sources that provide healthy, well-cared-for bushes!

Q: How do I take care of my Obsidian blackberry bushes?

A: Taking care of Obsidian blackberries is pretty straightforward! They need sunny spots, good soil, and regular watering. Pruning them can help with airflow and promote good firmness in the fruit, so don’t skip that step!

Q: What makes Obsidian blackberries stand out in flavour?

A: Obsidian blackberries have a classic, excellent flavour that’s sweet and slightly tart. This makes them a favourite for desserts, jams, and snacking on fresh fruit!

Q: Can I grow Obsidian blackberries in the UK?

A: Yes, you can grow Obsidian blackberries in the UK! Just be mindful of the climate; they thrive in sunny spots and need proper care to yield a good crop.

Q: How long have Obsidian blackberries been around?

A: The Obsidian blackberry was released in 2005, but its roots in blackberry development are traced back much further. Oregon raspberries and other blackberry varieties have been cultivated since 1913, leading to the creation of this tasty fruit!

Q: Are Obsidian blackberries suitable for freezing?

A: Absolutely! Obsidian blackberries freeze well due to their firm texture. Please wash and dry them properly before popping them in the freezer to enjoy later!