UC Master Gardeners, Santa Clara County, CA
University of California
UC Master Gardeners, Santa Clara County, CA

Berries

Garden Help > Fruits & Nuts

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Ripe and unripe blackberry on plant

How to grow: The California Garden Web, Berries. Also, see our separate Blueberries page.

Pest management: Blackberries & Raspberries, Strawberries 

The Basics

When to plant:

  • Blackberries / Raspberries: mid-January–March
  • Strawberries: late August (summer plantings) or late October (winter plantings)

Harvest window: May–September, depending on the variety

Fertilization: Nitrogen in spring, additional applications as needed.

Annual care overview:

  • Caneberries (blackberries, raspberries) need annual pruning to maintain the right balance of new & previous season growth.
  • Strawberry runners should be pruned off to foster the health of the main plant. As yields & vigor decrease, consider replacing with fresh soil and/or new plants.

Video: Strawberry propagation: Strawberry runners [1:32]

More Links

Some Recommended Varieties for Santa Clara County*

Blackberries: Boysen, Logan (Thornless Logan), Marion, Olallie, Thornfree, Thornfree Evergreen and Young 

Red Raspberries: Autumn Bliss, Canby, Fairview, Heritage, Meeker, Newburgh, September, Southland, and Willamette

Black Raspberries: Cumberland and Munger

Strawberries: Aptos, Chandler, Fern, Hecker, Pajaro, Quinalt, Seascape, and Sequoia

* Many other varieties may also do well here in Santa Clara County. This list is based on UC Master Gardener trials, taste tests, and feedback from local growers.

Webmaster Email: webmaster-mgsantaclara@ucanr.edu