Brambles, members of the Rubus family, include beloved berries like raspberries, blackberries, tayberries, and boysenberries. Their versatility and delicious fruits make them a fantastic addition to any garden. However, proper pruning and support are key to successful cultivation. Here’s everything you need to know to grow healthy, productive brambles.
Position
Garden: Brambles thrive in full sun with slightly acidic, free-draining soil. Avoid waterlogged areas as even short periods of soggy soil can harm the plants.
Pots: While brambles are better suited for gardens, miniature varieties of raspberries can be grown in large, well-draining pots.
Prepare Soil
- Incorporate Blood & Bone at planting time to boost soil fertility.
- Ensure the area has excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
Feed
Garden: Apply a Citrus & Fruit Tree Fertiliser annually in spring to promote vigorous growth and fruiting.
Pots: Apply Burnet’s Gold Fruit & Citrus Food in spring and late summer.
Watering & Mulching
- Water deeply during the summer to maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during fruiting.
- Add mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pruning and Training
Brambles fruit on the previous season’s growth, so pruning is essential to ensure continuous production:
- After harvesting, cut down all canes that have fruited. These canes are typically darker than new growth.
- Keep the healthiest new canes (6–9 for raspberries, depending on variety). Remove weak or surplus canes.
- Train canes onto wires or trellises for better airflow and fruit access. Cane tips should be trimmed when they reach the desired height.
Varieties
Blackberry (thorn-free): Sweet black fruits that ripen in summer.
Loganberry: A tangy cross between blackberry and raspberry, ideal for cooking.
Tayberry: Larger, less acidic than loganberries with a blackberry-like flavour, great fresh or in desserts.
Boysenberry: Juicy berries with sweet and tart flavours, available in thorned and semi-thornless varieties.
Raspberries: Available in traditional red, dark purple, black, and even golden hues. Two types:
- Summer-fruiting: Prune-fruited canes after harvest.
- Autumn-fruiting: Cut all canes to ground level in winter.
Protection
Pests: Watch for budmoth, leafroller, and cane blight.
Diseases: Prevent issues like Botrytis and rust with a consistent spray programme:
- Lime sulphur during dormancy.
- Copper and spraying oil as buds emerge.
- Use sprays like Yates Success Ultra before and after flowering to combat pests.
- Cover plants with bird netting to protect your berries from hungry birds.
Harvest
Brambles ripen from mid-summer to autumn, depending on the variety:
- Boysenberries are first to ripen, followed by loganberries and blackberries.
- Raspberries vary by type, fruiting either early summer or autumn.
Pick berries when fully ripe for the best flavour and sweetness.
Garden Expert Tip
Brambles are vigorous growers, so regular care and training will ensure heavy fruiting. A simple trellis system or wire framework can significantly improve berry access and airflow, boosting yield and plant health.
With the right care, your brambles will reward you year after year with an abundance of delicious, fresh berries for snacking, desserts, or freezing for smoothies and preserves.
