Boysenberry

Where to Plant

• Sunlight: Provide at least 6 to 8 hours of full sun daily. While plants tolerate partial shade, you will notice a significant drop in berry sweetness and overall yield without maximum sun exposure.
• Soil: These plants prefer well-drained, loamy soil rich in organic matter. If you have heavy clay, mix in compost or peat moss to improve drainage, or plant in a raised bed to prevent the roots from sitting in soggy ground.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, keep the soil consistently moist but not swampy to help the root system establish itself. Mature boysenberries need about one inch of water per week, increasing to two inches during the peak of the fruiting season. Inconsistent watering often leads to smaller, tart berries and can cause the plant to drop its fruit prematurely.

Pruning Tips

Boysenberries produce fruit on two-year-old wood, known as floricanes. In late summer after the harvest is finished, cut the canes that just finished fruiting down to the ground to make room for the new green primocanes. This cleanup acts like a reset button for the plant, ensuring better airflow and preventing diseases from overwintering in old stems.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges and again in early summer. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the growing season because this encourages tender green growth that will likely be damaged by the first winter frost. Proper feeding ensures the plant has the energy to produce those heavy, juice-filled berries you are looking for.