Black Raspberry
Rubus occidentalis 'Jewel'
fruitJewel is the standard summer-bearing black raspberry: large, glossy, deep-black fruit with rich winey flavor that ripens earlier than red raspberries, in late June to early July. The variety is vigorous, productive, and far less prone to virus problems than older black-raspberry selections, which is why it dominates home plantings in the eastern US.
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Sun
full sun
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Water
Every 3 days
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Harvest
~13 months
to first harvest
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Difficulty
medium
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Lifecycle
perennial
Comes back every year
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Spacing
2-3 ft in row, 8-12 ft between rows
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Planting Depth
Crown at soil line, same depth as nursery pot
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Soil pH
5.5-6.5
Growing Details
Soil Type
Rich, well-draining
Hardiness Zones
Zones 4 – 8
When to Fertilize
Once in early spring as canes emerge
Fertilizer
10-10-10 or balanced organic at 2-3 lb per 100 sq ft
🌱 Growing Guide
Plant in full sun on well-drained loamy soil; black raspberries dislike waterlogged ground. Set crowns 3 to 4 ft apart in rows 8 to 10 ft apart with the crown at the same depth it grew in the nursery. Black raspberries bear on second-year canes (floricanes), so prune in spring after fruiting: cut spent canes to the ground, then tip the new green canes when they reach 30 in to force lateral branching for next years crop. Trellising helps but is not required.
Planting Calendar
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Direct sow
Apr 15
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Projected first harvest
Jul 9 · Year 2
JJan
FFeb
MMar
AApr
MMay
JJun
JJul
AAug
SSep
OOct
NNov
DDec
Year 1
✅ Plant alongside
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
- Garlic — Sulfur compounds deter Japanese beetles and may suppress aphid-borne viruses
- Tansy — Repels Japanese beetles and ants that tend aphid colonies
- Yarrow — Attracts predatory wasps and hoverflies that hunt cane borers and aphids
- White Clover — Living mulch in the aisles that fixes nitrogen and feeds pollinators
❌ Keep away from
PotatoTomato
🛡️ Pest & disease prevention
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Use fine mesh exclusion netting at first color, pick fruit as soon as ripe, and refrigerate immediately; do not let overripe fruit linger
Inspect tip wilting in spring and prune 6 in below the borer entry; destroy infested canes off-site
Hand-pick into soapy water at dawn; do not use pheromone traps which attract more beetles than they catch
Remove old fruiting canes promptly, prune for airflow, and avoid overhead watering
🌾 Harvest & storage
Jewel ripens in late June through early July. Pick when fruit is fully black and slips easily off the receptacle with a gentle tug; ripe black raspberries leave a hollow center, unlike blackberries. Harvest every 2 to 3 days during peak season. Refrigerate immediately and eat within 2 to 3 days, or freeze on a tray then bag for long storage.
🥗 Nutrition & benefits
About 64 calories per 100 g with 7 g fiber, 21 mg vitamin C, and notably high levels of anthocyanins and ellagic acid. Black raspberries have among the highest antioxidant capacity of any common fruit, and ellagic acid has been studied for anti-inflammatory effects.
For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.