Boysenberry (Rubus ursinus × idaeus × brambles hybrid)
Regular price $19.95The Juiciest Berry You’ve Never Grown—Until Now!
The Boysenberry is a legendary fruit with a flavor that blends the best of blackberry, raspberry, and loganberry in one giant, juicy bite. Native to California, this vigorous bramble vine produces large, deep maroon-purple berries that are sweet-tart, aromatic, and perfect for fresh eating, pies, jams, and desserts. Boysenberries are famous for their complex flavor and are a must-have for berry lovers and edible landscape enthusiasts.
At Sow Exotic, we offer Boysenberry plants in our biodegradable coconut coir pots, ready to plant directly in the ground or large containers. These fast-growing, trailing canes thrive in warm climates and produce generous harvests in late spring through early summer.
| Scientific Name | Rubus ursinus × idaeus × Rubus hybrid |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Boysenberry |
| Plant Type | Perennial Bramble Vine |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Food Forest Layer | Shrub Layer / Trailing Vine |
| Mature Size | 4-6 ft tall; 5-7 ft wide (trailing) |
| Light | Full Sun (6-8 hours daily) |
| Water Needs | Moderate; regular watering for best fruit quality |
| Harvest Season | Late Spring to Early Summer |
| Time to Fruit or Harvest | 1 year (light crop), 2nd year heavier yields |
| Self-Fertile | Yes |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Native Region | Hybrid origin: California, USA |
| Florida Native | No |
| Zones | USDA Zones 6-10 |
| Propagation Method | Tissue Culture or Tip Layering |
| Pot Type | Biodegradable Coconut Coir Pot |
| Seasonal Characteristics | Deciduous; dormant in winter, vigorous in spring |
Boysenberry Full Growing Guide
How to Grow, Care, and Harvest Your Boysenberry Plant
About Boysenberry
Boysenberries are a delicious cross between blackberry, raspberry, and loganberry. These vigorous bramble vines are known for their huge, juicy, sweet-tart berries and sprawling habit. They’re ideal for home gardens, food forests, or berry patches, and thrive in mild to warm climates.
At Sow Exotic, our Boysenberries are grown in 1-gallon biodegradable coconut coir pots, making them eco-friendly and ready for easy transplanting into your garden.
When & Where to Plant
- Zones: USDA 6-10
-
Best Planting Time:
- Early Spring after last frost or Fall in milder climates
-
Site Selection:
- Full sun (minimum 6-8 hours)
- Well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 - 6.5
- Space to sprawl or climb (trellis recommended for tidy growth)
Light Requirements
- Full Sun is essential for best fruit production and flavor.
- Provide at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Watering Needs
- Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and fruiting.
- Avoid waterlogging; raised beds or mounds help with drainage.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Soil & Fertilizer
- Soil Type: Loamy, fertile, and well-draining
-
Amendments:
- Add compost or aged manure before planting
-
Fertilizer Schedule:
- Apply an organic balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring
- Reapply every 6-8 weeks during the growing season
- Reduce feeding once fruiting is complete
Planting Instructions
- Plant directly in the ground or in large containers
- If planting from Sow Exotic’s biodegradable coir pot, simply plant the entire pot directly into your garden bed or container, making sure the top of the pot is below the soil line
- Space plants 3-5 ft apart to allow air circulation and future cane spread
- Install a trellis or support system to guide the canes and make harvesting easier
Pruning & Training
-
Training:
- Boysenberries have trailing canes; train them along a trellis, fence, or wire for better sun exposure and airflow
-
Pruning:
- After fruiting, prune out spent floricanes (2nd-year canes that fruited) at the base
- Leave new primocanes (1st-year canes) to fruit next year
- Regularly remove dead or damaged canes
Pollination
- Self-fertile, but attracting bees and pollinators improves yields
- No additional plants are necessary for fruiting
Temperature & Climate
- Hardy in Zones 6-10
- Thrives in mild to warm temperatures
- Protect from hard freezes in colder zones (Zone 6); mulch heavily in winter
Pests & Diseases
- Common Pests: Aphids, spider mites, cane borers
- Diseases: Powdery mildew, botrytis (gray mold), root rot (in poorly drained soils)
- Prevent issues with good airflow, sanitation, and regular monitoring
- Use organic pest control like neem oil if necessary
Harvesting Boysenberries
-
When to Harvest:
- Late Spring to Early Summer
- Berries are ripe when they turn deep maroon-purple and pull easily from the vine
-
How to Harvest:
- Gently twist or pull berries; handle with care—they are delicate!
-
Post-Harvest:
- Enjoy fresh, or refrigerate immediately
- Use in pies, jams, sauces, or freeze for later
Seasonal Care & Characteristics
- Spring: Rapid growth, flowering, fruit set
- Summer: Harvest time!
- Fall: New cane growth, prepare for dormancy
- Winter: Canes go dormant; prune and mulch for protection
Why Grow Boysenberries?
✔️ Sweet-tart, flavorful berries
✔️ Big yields with little effort
✔️ Perfect for home gardens and food forests
✔️ Easy to train on fences or trellises
✔️ Fresh eating, jam-making, and pies galore!
