Blackberries, Raspberries, and More

The genus Rubus includes the familiar red raspberries and blackberries. Many varieties are available that are suited to a wide variety of climates. Because the berries are so perishable, they are best suited for the home grower or local market, although advances in varieties, growing techniques, and shipping have allowed wide distribution of fresh berries on a commercial basis. The genus includes lesser known berries such as black raspberry, cloudberry, wineberry, and even some small species suited to growing under arctic conditions. Breeders crossing different Rubus species have produced new forms of berries, including purple raspberry, Tayberry, Boysenberry, and Loganberry.

I am strictly a backyard grower. My interest in and knowledge of Rubus comes from the pleasure of eating fresh-picked berries and from a breeding project with a fall-bearing black raspberry seedling from upstate New York (photo). The breeding project started with a short article in the NAFEX Pomona quarterly journal that generated invaluable guidance from other NAFEX members about how to proceed.

I volunteered to chair the NAFEX Rubus Group when there was no active group. Recently, due to frequent inquiries about growing in Southern states, a Rubus Southern Chair was established to provide information for growers in warmer climates. As it currently stands, the "group" serves mainly as a central contact point for answering questions about varieties, growing techniques, and problems. There is no separate publication or mailing list for the group outside of the NAFEX Pomona. Listed below are important references, some recommended nurseries specializing in raspberries and blackberries, and a few web links for further research.

References (available on loan from the NAFEX Library)

Otto, Stella, "The Backyard Berry Book: A hands-on guide to growing berries, brambles & vine fruit in the home garden", Otto Graphics, Maple City, MI, 1995. This is a very good introductory book for getting started in growing raspberries.

Pritts, Marvin, and Handley, David, eds., Bramble Production Guide, Northeast Regional Agricultural Engineering Service, Cooperative Extension, Ithaca, New York, 1989.

Ellis, Michael, et. al., Compendium of Raspberry and Blackberry Diseases and Insects, APS Press, The American Phytopathological Society, 1991.

Plant Material

Nourse Farms, 41 River Road, South Deerfield, MA 01373, 1-413-665-2658

Indiana Berry and Plant Co., 5218 West 500 South, Huntingburg, IN 47542, 1-800-295-2226 or 1-812-683-3055.

Hartmann's Plant Company, PO Box 100 Lacota, MI 49063-0100, 1-269-253-4281

Rubus Links

USDA National Clonal Germplasm Repository (NCGR) at Corvallis Oregon. Repository for Rubus species and varieties. There are additional Rubus web links listed in their page of Rubus Resources.

North American Bramble Growers Association (NABGA). NABGA is a professional
organization, but some of the material may be useful for amateurs. See
particularly newsletters and other information under the "Growers" link at
that site.

Contact Information:
Pete Tallman
5690 Steeplechase Drive
Longmont, CO 80503
E-mail: pete_tallmanAThotmail.com