Berries

Garden Help > Fruits & Nuts

UC Links

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

• Blackberries & Raspberries

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.