Youngberry

Youngberry (Rubus caesius) is a vigorous cane fruit, a cross between blackberry, raspberry and dewberry, with almost thornless canes and red-purple berries in summer and autumn. It grows about 1.5m high and spreads 1m to 2m along a trellis or wires. The berries are sweet and soft, and they keep only a few days after picking, which is why you rarely see them in the shops.

Why you'll love it

• Fruit you cannot easily buy. The berries last only a few days once picked, so the best youngberries are the ones you pick yourself.
• Sweet and versatile. Eat them fresh, or cook them into jam, pies and purees.
• Almost thornless canes. The long canes are kinder to pick and tie in than a typical blackberry, although new growth can carry some small slender prickles.
• Self fertile and disease resistant. One plant will fruit on its own, and planting more than one often improves the yield.
• Frost hardy and adaptable. It tolerates frost and grows in any rich, well drained soil, even clay.

Where it works best

Trellis and wire training. Plant 50cm apart along a trellis or taut wires. The canes are semi-upright, so train them up until they reach the top, then tie new growth down towards the bottom. This lifts the yield and uses less room than training the canes sideways.

Fence lines and boundaries. A sunny fence or wall with wires fixed along it turns an unused edge into a berry patch, with plenty of height for the canes to run.

The home kitchen garden. Pair it with other cane fruit and a few herbs for a productive corner. Plant it where you will walk past often, because the ripe berries need picking promptly.

Growing Youngberry in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun, with shelter from strong wind and from hot afternoon sun. It is frost hardy, so it suits cooler gardens well. In hot districts, afternoon shade protects the fruit and the canes.

Soil. Rich, fertile, well drained soil, although it copes with clay. Plant quite shallow, about 10cm deep, and spread a layer of mulch over the roots.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until the plant is established. Keep the roots well watered while it is flowering and fruiting. A topping of compost each spring supports the canes.

Pruning. Prune the growing tips in summer to encourage branching. Youngberry fruits on last year's canes, so cut the old canes out in winter and tie in the new ones.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Youngberry as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Expect a small plant on arrival that sends up canes through its first season. Because it fruits on last year's canes, the first full crop usually comes the summer after planting.

Our grower does not always have tube stock to send. If the tube shows as sold out, the notify button on this page emails you the day it returns.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse edible plants and bush tucker
• More citrus and fruit plants
• Growing a successful fruit and vegetable garden
• Planning the layout of an edible backyard

Common questions

Do I need more than one plant?

No, youngberry is self fertile and will fruit on its own. Planting more than one often gives a better yield, and the extra canes fill a long trellis.

Does it have thorns?

The canes are almost thornless, but new growth can carry some small, slender prickles. Wear gloves when you tie in the new canes.

When and how do I prune it?

Cut the old canes that have fruited right out in winter, and tie in the new canes. Pinch the growing tips in summer to encourage branching.