Blackberry Loch Ness (Rubus fruticosus) Fruit Bush 3ltr Pot

About Blackberry Loch Ness

This superb compact variety bred by SCRI is a breakthrough in blackberry research and has a different type of growth to standard varieties. It is now the number one variety used by commercial growers. The cane are vigorous, spine free,semi erect and very easy to manage. Heavy cropper, capable of producing 3.6kg (8lbs) of fruit per bush. The high quality fruit is fi rm, conical, glossy-black and has a good tangy flavour similar to wild blackberries. Perfect selection for small gardens.

• Self fertile
• Planting Distance 3m apart
• Height & Spread 2m x 2m
• Crops late August/ September

An ideal plant for a small garden or balcony, the blackberry loch ness is an attractive, compact fruit bush that looks great and produces beautiful, sweet fruit between August and September. The serrated green leaves of this bush form a rugged clump of foliage that supports small clusters of firm black fruit. The sweet taste of the blackberry goes perfectly with porridge or yogurt in a healthy breakfast, blended with other fruit as part as a smoothie or eaten on their own. Why not crush the berries up in a bowl and mix with gin and soda water for a refreshing cocktail. This semi-evergreen and thornless fruit bush is easy to look after. This fruit bush is a heavy cropping variety that is often used in commercial growing and can produce around 3 kg of fruit a year.

How to look after blackberries

Place in a sunny location and water regularly so that the soil is moist, but not wet. This plant likes to climb so it is easily planted under a trellis or plant support to create a space filling and beautiful display. Make sure you prune any brown or discoloured leaves, and watch check the eaves regularly for caterpillars.

When do I harvest blackberries?

Between May and June your plant will produce small white flowers. After a few weeks these will fall off to leave the early fruit that will turn from green to red and eventually black. When the fruit has turned black harvest by twisting the berry from the stem. Once picked, the blackberry will only last for about a day so only pick when needed.

How do you store blackberry fruits?

Once picked a blackberry will not last long. If you want to preserve your fruits for longer you can either blend the fruits into a thick juice which you can freeze or freeze whole fruits in an airtight bag.

How to look after your blackberry bush

Plant your blackberries in a sunny spot that is well-sheltered from cold winds. The soil should be well-draining, and full of organic matter, so mulch and manure sandy or clay soils. Make sure to provide a cane or trellis for the plant to climb up. Around mid-spring feed with a high potassium liquid feed to get the best fruits.

How often should I water my blackberries?

Young plants should be watered well at least once a week to keep the soil moist, but not wet. Once established you can decrease the frequency of watering, but you will get better fruits if the frequency is kept up.

How do you prune a blackberry bush?

These vigorous growing fruits need to be pruned regularly if you want the best fruits. Regularly tie in new shoots, and then all side-shoots in the winter. In the second year after planting the plant will produce new canes. To support these, tie loosely to canes or to a trellis.