Blackberry 'Karaka Black' Plant

Overview

Experience exceptional blackberry growing with 'Karaka Black', a remarkable New Zealand-bred variety that delivers some of the largest, most flavourful berries you can grow. This outstanding cultivar produces enormous, glossy black fruit over an extended 6-8 week harvest period, making it perfect for gardeners seeking maximum yield from limited space. With excellent disease resistance and superior fruit quality, 'Karaka Black' represents the pinnacle of modern blackberry breeding.

Key Features

• Plant Type: Thorny-stemmed blackberry with arching canes
• Mature Height: 2m
• Mature Spread: 2.5m
• Fruiting Season: Very long season - early July to early September
• Berry Characteristics: Extra large, up to 7.5cm long, weighing 10-11g
• Growth Habit: Less vigorous than most blackberries
• Hardiness: Hardy in the UK down to temperatures of -20 degrees Celcius (RHS hardiness rating H6)

Extraordinary Fruit Quality

Blackberry 'Karaka Black' produces some of the largest blackberries available, with fruit reaching up to 7.5cm in length and weighing an impressive 10-11g each. The dark black fruit has a long cylindrical-conical shape, is very firm and very shiny. The berries are exceptionally well-displayed on the plant and very easy to pick, making harvesting a pleasure rather than a chore.

Outstanding Flavour Profile

The flavour is likened to a mild blackberry, and may be somewhat acidic when picked slightly under-ripe or grown in a cool climate. When fully ripe, the berries develop a complex, sweet-tart flavour that's perfect for fresh eating, cooking, and preserving. The firm texture means berries hold their shape beautifully during cooking and storage.

Extended Harvest Season

Karaka Black fruiting season is very long, producing high quality fruit for six to eight weeks. Crops continuously for up to 8 weeks, from mid-July through to September, providing one of the longest harvesting periods of any blackberry variety. This extended season means fresh berries for the family throughout the late summer months.

Compact Growth Habit

Because it spends its energy on making big fruit over a long period, Karaka Black is less vigorous than most blackberries, so it's great for small spaces or big pots. This manageable size makes it ideal for smaller gardens, containers, or where space is limited, without compromising on fruit quality or yield.

Disease Resistance

Quick to establish and easy to grow, with excellent resistance to downy mildew. Resistant to grey mould (Botrytis) - this also means that it stores well in the fridge. This exceptional disease resistance means healthier plants and more reliable harvests with less intervention required.

Position

The 'Karaka Black' blackberry needs full sun, requiring 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Performs well in a sunny spot or with partial shade. Choose a sheltered location with good air circulation to prevent disease and support the long, arching canes.

Soil Conditions

For optimal growth, plant your blackberries in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0. The soil should retain moisture during dry periods whilst providing excellent drainage to prevent root problems.

Soil Preparation

Prepare the planting area by incorporating generous amounts of well-rotted manure or garden compost. Blackberries are heavy feeders and 'Karaka Black's' exceptional fruit size requires rich, fertile soil to achieve its full potential.

Spacing and Support

Plant 2-2.5m apart to accommodate the mature spread. Provide sturdy support structures such as post and wire systems or train against existing fences. The arching canes benefit from horizontal training to maximise fruiting potential.

Pruning

Blackberries fruit on one year old wood. Prune out old fruited canes after harvest and tie in new growth for next year's crop. Not thornless, but less vicious than most other varieties, making pruning more manageable than traditional varieties.

Feeding and Maintenance

Apply balanced fertiliser in early spring and mulch around the base with organic matter. The heavy fruiting nature of this variety benefits from regular feeding throughout the growing season to support the large fruit development.

Self-Fertile Convenience

Self fertile, meaning you only need one plant to produce fruit, though yields may be enhanced with cross-pollination from other blackberry varieties. The white spring flowers are attractive to beneficial pollinators.

Culinary Excellence

• Fresh eating: The large size makes them perfect for snacking

• Baking: Excellent size and firmness for pies and tarts

• Preserving: Superior keeping qualities ideal for jams and jellies

• Freezing: Firm berries freeze exceptionally well without losing shape

• Desserts: Impressive presentation in fruit salads and desserts

• Smoothies: Large berries provide substantial fruit content

Storage and Keeping

The fruit is firm and has excellent keeping qualities. The combination of firmness and Botrytis resistance means berries can be stored in the refrigerator for several days without deterioration, extending the enjoyment period.

New Zealand Heritage

This is a relatively new variety from New Zealand where, due to its outstanding performance, it is now the most widely grown commercial blackberry. This commercial success demonstrates the variety's exceptional qualities and reliability.

What You'll Receive

Your Blackberry 'Karaka Black' arrives as a healthy, container-grown plant that establishes quickly and begins producing fruit typically in the second year. Container-grown plants provide superior establishment compared to bare-root alternatives.

Growing Tips for Success

The key to success with 'Karaka Black' lies in providing adequate nutrition to support the exceptional fruit size and extended harvest period. Regular feeding and mulching will maximise both fruit size and yield. Despite being thorny, the canes are less aggressive than many varieties, and the exceptional fruit quality makes any minor inconvenience worthwhile. The disease resistance and compact growth make this variety particularly suitable for gardeners seeking reliable, high-quality fruit production without the challenges associated with more vigorous blackberry varieties.