Black Raspberry Seeds
(Rubus occidentalis) Deciduous. Zones 4 - 9. *Black raspberries should be kept 100 feet away from red raspberries.*
Black Raspberry, also know as Black Caps, belongs 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.
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.
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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
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GROWING INSTRUCTIONS
- Soak seeds in boiling water, let cool slowly and stand in water for 24 hrs. Follow with 60 days warm, moist germination and then 90 days cold, moist stratification. For more information on stratification, check out our article "How To Start Your Tree Seeds".
*If you are doing the cold period in your fridge, please check on your seeds. 90 days is an estimate & they may sprout sooner.*
- Plant stratified seeds in pots or a nursery bed using standard potting soil. Surface sow or lightly covered ( 1/8" deep ) and keep seedbed moist and humid. Heat mats are NOT required & can hinder germination!
- Protect young tree seedlings from slugs, cutworms & rodents. Slugs especially can eat primary leaves as soon as they come up, so be vigilant!
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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.
