Loganberry: The Perfect Blend of Raspberry and Blackberry

Rubus × loganobaccus

Why Grow Loganberries?

Loganberries offer the best of both 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. If you enjoy making jams, pies, or eating fruit fresh, loganberries are a fantastic choice.

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.

Choosing the Right Location

Loganberries prefer a sunny spot with well-drained soil. They thrive against a fence, wall, or trellis, as their canes need support. 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 vigorous, they should be tied onto wires or trellises in a fan shape. This helps keep the fruit accessible and makes pruning easier.

Watering and Feeding

• Water deeply during dry spells, especially when fruit is forming.
• Apply compost or 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.

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.

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 syrup for desserts.

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.

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 right 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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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What exactly is a Loganberry?

A: A Loganberry is a hybrid fruit, created by crossing a Blackberry with a Raspberry. It has a rich, sweet-tart flavour and deep red colour. Loganberries are highly productive and make a fantastic addition to any garden!

Q: Where can I buy Loganberry plants?

A: You can purchase Loganberry plants at garden centres and online. Look for reputable suppliers offering healthy, well-established plants.

Q: How do I propagate Loganberries?

A: Propagating Loganberries is simple! You can take cuttings from an existing plant and root them in well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist until the cuttings establish strong roots.

Q: When do Loganberries ripen?

A: Loganberries typically ripen from July to August. This is the perfect time to enjoy them fresh, straight from the garden!

Q: Where is the best place to plant Loganberries?

A: Loganberries thrive in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Plant them against a wall, fence, or trellis for support, and allow enough space for the plant to spread.

Q: Are Loganberries thorny like Blackberries?

A: Yes, most Loganberry plants have thorns, similar to Blackberries. Take care when harvesting, or consider wearing gloves to avoid scratches.

Q: Can I eat Loganberries raw?

A: Absolutely! Loganberries are delicious eaten fresh. Their balance of sweetness and tartness makes them perfect for snacking, adding to salads, or using in desserts.

Q: How do Loganberries compare to Tayberries?

A: Loganberries and Tayberries are both Blackberry-Raspberry hybrids, but Tayberries tend to be slightly sweeter. If you enjoy Loganberries, you may also love the flavour of Tayberries!

Q: How do I care for a Loganberry plant?

A: Loganberries require minimal maintenance. Water regularly, provide support for the canes, and prune after fruiting to encourage new growth. A well-maintained plant will produce abundant fruit year after year.

Q: What type of soil is best for Loganberries?

A: Loganberries prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Incorporating compost or well-rotted manure will help improve soil fertility and support strong growth.