berries
Blackberries and Raspberries
By Nancy Garrison, former Horticultural Advisor, Santa Clara County
VARIETIES
Three main types of raspberries are grown in the United States: red, purple and black. They differ in ways other than fruit color. Red raspberries have erect canes and are propagated by suckers. These are usually grown in the Western States. Black raspberries have arched canes that root at the tips. Purple raspberries are hybrids of red and black varieties. The black and purple varieties are grown in the Eastern States.
Varieties of blackberries include boysenberries, ollalieberries, loganberries and youngberries. Boysenberries are reddish black with an aroma and flavor similar to raspberries. Ollalieberries are slightly longer and more slender than the boysenberry and are a cross between black, logan and youngberries.
PLANTING
Raspberries grow best in cool climates. A wide range of soil types are suitable for growing raspberries, from sandy loam to clay. The most important requirement for the berries is that the soil be deep so that the roots are not restricted. Raspberries should not be planted in an area following the cultivation of tomatoes, eggplant or potatoes. Diseases that affect these plants may remain in the soil and damage the berries. Plants may be set in hills or in rows. Red raspberry plants should be set 2' to 3' apart if planted in rows. Before planting, cut the tops of the plants back to six inches. Set the plants into the hole so they are 2" to 3" deeper than they were in the nursery. Water after transplanting.
Growing Blueberries in Santa Clara County
by Nancy Garrison
Revised: 01-Mar-2003
Introduction
In February 1997, with the invaluable help of my Master Gardener volunteers, I established a variety trial to evaluate 15 varieties of blueberries in a replicated trial. This was conducted at the Bay Area Research and Extension Center of the University of California located in the City of Santa Clara near Valley Fair Shopping Center. The objective was to determine which varieties of blueberries grow and produce best under our soil and climatic conditions in Santa Clara County. The South Bay Area has not been known as a blueberry growing area, but a few people, including myself, have been growing them successfully for nearly a decade.
We trialed Northern Highbush (Vaccinium corymbosum), Southern Highbush (Vaccinium darrowi), as well as interspecific hybrids. Each of the 15 varieties were replicated four times with four plants per replication totaling 255 blueberry plants. There was also a border row on the east and west perimeters which contained one or more of each of the varieties. Fall Creek Nursery in Oregon was the source for all plants included in this trial.
Varieties
Blueberry varieties are distinguished by their climate suitability and ripening season. One might want to select varieties that ripen at different times or feature large fruit (best for fresh eating and desserts) or small fruit (best for muffins and pancakes). Bushes with brilliant fall color or different growth habits offer the gardener lots of choices to use throughout the landscape. Plant at least two plants per family member.
