(Rubus occidentalis) Deciduous. Zones 4 - 9. *Black raspberries should be kept 100 feet away from red raspberries.* Black Raspberry, also know as Black Caps, belong to the Rose family. Black Raspberry is a highly adaptable native shrub that is easy to grow. Berry flavour is unique and has a more 'sweet' taste than the classic Red Raspberry. Be mindful when planting, plant stems have thorns! In Spring, Black Raspberry’s clusters of white, wild rose-like flowers attract pollinators galore! Black Raspberry is self-pollinating. In Summer, Black Raspberry yields fruit 1 to 2 cm in diameter. As the fruit ripens, colours change from green, red to a shiny black. In Fall, leaves turn a golden yellow. Black Raspberry canes grow in large clumps, forming dense shrubs that spread quickly via underground by rhizomes. Large clumps can get out of hand if not trained or pruned properly. 2 - 3 year old canes will bear the most fruit. Remove oldest canes that have fruited after harvest to allow plenty of sunlight and air for new canes. Black Raspberry provide important food and habitat for birds and wildlife. Its fruit is sweet and an immune boosting source of vitamins and powerful antioxidants. ---------------------------------- Cold Hardiness: Zones 4 - 9 Edible: Yes Size: Shrub Growth Rate: Fast Nitrogen Fixer: No Native Plant: Yes Germination: 90-95% Sun Requirements: Full sun to part shade Soil Preference: Moist, fertile, well-drained ------------------------------ GROWING INSTRUCTIONS**Difficult For best results, sow scarified seeds outdoors in early-Fall. If starting indoors...SEED PRETREATMENT: Scarification is required—gently nick the seed coat. Soak seeds for 24 hours, start with boiling water. Seeds sink when ready, repeat this process until all seeds have absorbed water. Mix seeds with a moistened grow medium 4x seed volume. Place in a plastic bag or container. STRATIFICATION: 60 days warm/moist (13-18°C), a spot out of direct light is good. Monitor for mold. Next, 90 days cold/moist (4°C), in your fridge is a good. Inspect for even moisture. POST-STRATIFICATION: Sow stratified seeds 1/4” deep, tamp down gently. Seeds require light to germinate. Alternating soil temperatures during the day (30°C) and night (20°C) is beneficial for timely germination. Water evenly and regularly. GERMINATION: Highly erratic germination, can last 1 year. How To Start Your Tree Seeds --------------------------------- Available direct from Incredible Seeds, a Canadian Heirloom and Heritage Seed Company, offering only the best natural, non-GMO, open pollinated and untreated seeds, located in Mi'kma'ki / Nova Scotia.
