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Thursday, 30 June 2011
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The sweetness and flavour of fresh Boysenberries is hard to beat. They are an easy crop to grow, requiring only a little support and a sunny position to produce an abundance of berries.
Boysenberries are a hybrid cross between Raspberries and Blackberries.
Varieties:
A few varieties are widely available throughout the country; garden centres normally have good stocks available from mid to late winter.
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Mapua – a large berry with little or no spines with an outstanding flavour
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Tasman – early season harvest, medium sized fruit. Crops well.
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McNichols Choice – Good sized delicious berries on a mostly spineless plant
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Brulee – average sized dark black berries in summer
When, where and how to plant:
Boysenberries need a sunny location where they can climb up some type of trellising or support system. The vines should be protected from strong winds. Spring gusts can snap off new growth where it emerges from the canes.
Boysenberries prefer well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. Add compost or well rotted manure if soil is light or fine. Watering well during warm weather and while fruit is setting and developing.
Growing Guide:
- Plant out approx 1 – 1.5 metres apart in rows. Provide support to keep the berries from falling on the ground.
- Cover with bird netting if birds are eating the fruit before you can.
- Water well through dry periods to ensure the fruit sets well.
- Do not allow plants to sit in water for long periods; plant in raised beds if winter rains are an issue for you.
- Prune berries in mid-winter by removing old canes that have already fruited, make sure you remove all dead and unhealthy looking branches as well.
- Fertilise with a general fertiliser in spring.
Harvest:
Make sure the birds don’t beat you to the crop! Harvest when fruits look ripe. Allow to ripen in the plants to maximise full flavour. Never wash fruit to water as it bruises and ruins the fruit; simply wipe off any unwanted blemishes.
How to use:
Can be eaten fresh, and used in desserts, pies, jams or jellies.
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