Arborvitae are all the rage for adding a luxurious living fenceline to your landscaping. But what are the care requirements, and how easy or difficult are they to grow? Gardening expert Kelli Klein walks you through the steps to provide optimal growing conditions for your arborvitae hedge. Arborvitae is a coniferous tree or shrub in the Cyprus family. This North American native tree has quickly gained popularity as an ornamental. It is commonly used to create a living privacy screen, fence, or windbreak in the landscape. It grows in a wide range of environments throughout North America within USDA growing zones two through eight. This tree is adaptable to a variety of soil conditions provided that they are well-drained and that it receives full sun. It is also a long-lived perennial and can survive for anywhere between 25 and 150 years! This means it will be a long-lasting presence in your garden. What Are Arborvitae? Also known as northern white-cedar, eastern white-cedar, and the shorthand slang “arbs.” Other common names include swamp cedar, American arborvitae, and eastern arborvitae. The name arborvitae is Latin for “tree of life.” They are perennial evergreen shrubs or trees in the genus Thuja that are widely used in ornamental landscaping today. History French botanists brought this evergreen back to Paris in 1536, making it the first North American tree species to be brought to Europe. It was quickly adopted as an ornamental plant. Because of its rot-resistant wood, these trees were used by Native Americans to build canoes. Native Area These trees are native to North America, specifically eastern Canada and north-central and northeastern United States. In Canada, its range reaches the Arctic tree line and the southern tip of the Hudson Bay. It prefers to grow in places with cooler summers and a shorter growing season. Connecticut is on the southern edge of its native range. Characteristics Arborvitae are upright trees with feathery sprays of flat, dark green, scaly needles that resemble juniper foliage. The trunk has red-brown bark, and they produce seed cones that start slender and yellow-green and turn brown as they mature. It tends to grow in a pyramid-like shape which can be exaggerated through pruning. Many varieties are available, which can range in size and foliage color. Uses Nowadays, it is used as an ornamental. Historically, the bark and foliage has been brewed into a vitamin-C-rich tea used to treat scurvy. The rot-resistant wood is also used for fencing and log cabins. An oil can be extracted from the boughs and is used in cleansers, soaps, and perfumes, which smells like cedar. As an ornamental in the landscape, is it used to create a living privacy fence, a windbreak, or to add a pop of evergreen color to the landscape year-round. Where To Buy Arborvitae Arborvitae plants are widely available at big box stores, online retailers, and local nurseries. Searching online retailers will give you the biggest range of varieties available. On the other hand, shopping at a local nursery will likely result in picking up a variety that is well-suited to your area, not to mention the in-person information that you can receive at a local nursery. If you have a friend growing arborvitae, then you might be able to get your hands on some cuttings. More on that later! Planting The best time to plant is in early spring before they are actively growing. Planting in early spring will ensure that roots can establish before the first frost and successfully survive over winter. To plant your tree, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just deep enough so that it matches the depth of its original container. Backfill with a mixture of the soil that was dug out of the planting site and compost. Water it in well. Space trees at least three to four feet apart to give them space to fill in.
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If you’re looking for a plant with beauty as rich as its history, a tree fern just might be your answer. Garden expert Christina Conner has all the details on caring for these gentle giants. When I was in college, my first big plant purchase (meaning – not rescued from the clearance rack or a mystery propagation) was an Australian tree fern named Felicia. Her lacy, delicate fronds added a Jurassic vibe to my indoor jungle of big-leaved banana trees, pothos, and fiddle-leaf figs. There are over 650 species worldwide. They’re endemic to the understories of tropical, sub-tropical, and cool temperate climes throughout the world. They tower in the rainforests of Queensland, Tasmania, Hawaii, New Guinea, and New Zealand. Tree ferns thrive where the air is humid, and the soil is rich with organic matter. Though beautiful, this is a finicky plant that would be a great option for an intermediate or advanced gardener. They require a lot of humidity and careful watering, which may prove challenging for a beginner gardener. Though Felicia didn’t survive the occasional neglect during holiday breaks and hectic finals weeks of my college years, my love of tree ferns remains. History Tree ferns are older than dinosaurs. They predate the Jurassic period and go back at least 200 million years to the Triassic period, evolving alongside plants that became known as fern allies, like Equisetum hyemale, also known as Horsetail Rush. Incredibly, these Australian plants have even evolved to survive bushfires thanks to millennia of evolution and protection via their woolly, moist trunks. The unfurling of bright green fronds after a fire is a beautiful sign of resurgence. Varieties This article will focus on how to plant, grow, and care for the most common varieties found in plant stores: the Tasmanian Dicksonia antarctica and the Australian Sphaeropteris cooperi. Tasmanian Tree Fern D. antarctica can grow up to 30 feet in the wild, but cultivated varieties top out at about 12-18 feet. This southern Australian plant is more resistant to colder temperatures than other tree ferns, specifically S. cooperi. The Tasmanian variety is on the shorter side. It’s very slow growing – depending on the environment, one to three inches of growth can be expected per year. Australian Tree Fern The more tropical of the two, S. cooperi stretches from the temperate rainforests of New South Wales to tropical far north Queensland. In its native areas, they grow up to 50 feet, with fronds stretching over 10 feet long. This is also the faster growing of the two. It can grow anywhere between half a foot to three feet per year, depending on the environment. While some gardeners have had luck overwintering Sphaeropteris cooperi in zone 8, some have experienced dieback during cold snaps. For this reason, we recommend planting it as a perennial only in zone 9b and above. Note: This plant also recently underwent a name change from being known as Cyathea cooperi. You might see nurseries and plant sources still refer to this Australian plant by its former name. Other Species Rough Tree Fern Hailing from southern Queensland, this species prefers cooler climates and can be found in drier mountain areas. This Australian plant is slightly hardier than other species and can even tolerate direct sun. Its namesake, Rough Tree Fern, comes from the distinctive remnants of old fronds on its trunk. Hawaiian Tree Fern This tropical plant is native to most of the Hawaiian islands but is under threat from invasive species, deforestation, and overharvesting for gardening media. If you live in Hawaii, consider incorporating a Häpu‘u into your landscape. Note: S. cooperi should not be planted in Hawaii as it’s invasive and outcompetes native species. Characteristics Despite the name, these ferns aren’t truly trees. Its “trunk” is one big modified rhizome covered with tiny hairs that absorb moisture and nutrients. From the crown, crosiers unfurl from a tight spiral over a few weeks to reveal new leaves called fronds. As they age, they drop, and new fronds continue to emerge in a slow cycle that builds height and turns young, shrublike plants into towering giants. Underneath the blades of the fronds, you’ll see tiny raised red bumps called sori, which contain spores, the plant’s reproductive structures. How to Grow The best way to acquire these Australian plants is to either buy from a nursery or online retailer or start from spore. Spores can be sourced from a friend or reputable source, like the American Fern Society spore exchange – the sooner you start a spore after collection, the better. To learn more about collecting and germinating spores, check out our article on Sword Ferns – these spore collection tips also work for other species. Planting Whether you plant your fern indoors or outdoors will depend on climate and personal preference – D. antarctica does well in USDA zones 9-10, and S. cooperi does best in the temperatures in zones 8-11. That said, both species are great as houseplants, so fear not if you live in a different region.
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Mountain ash is a compact native North American tree beloved by birds and bees. The white blossoms, bright red berries, and golden-orange fall foliage make it a delight for landscaping. Garden expert Logan Hailey digs into everything you need to know about this native ornamental. If you love birdwatching and your yard needs some extra shade and color, an American mountain ash tree is the perfect addition to your landscape. Sorbus americana is a compact ornamental tree native to North America. It grows wild throughout the Great Lakes, New England, and the Appalachian Mountains and performs excellently in urban and suburban yards. The thick clusters of showy white flowers are followed by vibrant red berries, adding aesthetic charm and wildlife value through summer. At the end of the season, its golden-orange autumn leaves captivate a landscape in the fall and the berries remain into winter. Mountain ash averages 15-35 feet at maturity and grows with a nice, rounded, open-top crown. Sometimes, it grows from a single trunk, but it commonly has a shrubby multi-stemmed base. For gardeners in cool eastern regions from hardiness zones 2-6, this native tree will grow quickly without much fuss. Let’s dig into everything you need to know about growing a mountain ash tree! History and Cultivation American mountain ash has a rich history and intriguing folklore. The plant is one of 7 mountain ash species native to the U.S., and the genus Sorbus includes over 100 or 250 species, depending on your definition of the genus. American mountain ash (Sorbus americana) is smaller and smooth-leaved compared to the larger, hairy-leaved European mountain ash (S. aucuparia). Here are more details of this gorgeous red-berried tree and its origins. What is American Mountain Ash? The native Sorbus americana tree is nicknamed American mountain ash, rowan tree, dogberry, roundwood, and sometimes just mountain ash. The deciduous perennial shrub or small tree is a member of the rose (Rosaceae) family. It is called a mountain ash because its pinnately compound leaves of lance-shaped serrated leaflets resemble ash trees. However, it is not actually related to true ash trees of the genus Fraxinus, which are members of the olive (Oleaceae) family. Where Does It Originate? Sorbus americana grows wild in the Eastern U.S. from the Appalachian mountains of Georgia up to Maine and into Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Its native range also extends through Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. It is a cool climate tree that prefers cold winters and moist soils in zones 2-6. It thrives in moist, cool, acidic soils of swamps, bogs, and rocky outcrops. We don’t recommend it for hot, humid climates or southern gardens warmer than zone 6. This wild native has been cultivated as an ornamental since 1811 and is commonly used in home landscapes and parks. Folklore Mountain ash trees are sometimes nicknamed “witchwood.” In 18th-century Europe, many believed European mountain ash trees could cast away witches and guard your home from evil. Some people would burn the twigs outside their houses or make necklaces of the ash wood to protect themselves. When colonizers came to America and discovered this tree covering the northern landscape, they believed they were heavily protected. The five-pointed star on the berry stalks represented good luck. Old folklore aside, modern plantings of mountain ash are mostly good luck for native bees and birds. The showy white spring blossoms are magnets for bees, and the vibrant red summer berries draw in birds near and far. This wildlife-friendly tree is beautiful, functional, and important for local ecosystems. Propagation Mountain ash trees can be propagated by seeds (gathered from the berries), cutting, or bare root and container trees from a nursery.
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Champagne grapes have intensely sweet berries perfect for fresh eating and cooking. These miniature grapes pack more flavor than their size suggests. Gardening expert Madison Moulton explains how to grow these delightful table grapes successfully. When most people think of growing grapes, they picture large vines or pergolas draped with foliage. But there is a more adorable way to grow grapes, and eat them too. Champagne grapes have tiny clusters of intensely sweet berries that are perfect for snacking, garnishing, and cooking. Don’t let the name fool you though, as these aren’t used for making actual champagne. More on that later. The challenge with champagne grapes is that their small size makes them more delicate than standard grape varieties. They need careful handling and specific growing conditions to produce those perfect miniature clusters. Here’s everything you need to know about growing these specialty grapes in your own garden. What Is It? Champagne grapes aren’t actually a single variety but rather a term for several types of tiny grapes. These produce berries that are roughly the size of small peas, clustered tightly together in small, elegant bunches. The berries are typically dark purple to black when ripe, with an incredibly sweet, concentrated flavor that’s much more intense than larger grapes. Each berry contains tiny seeds that are barely noticeable when eating, making them perfect for fresh consumption. What makes these grapes special is their incredible sweetness and unique texture. The small size means the skin-to-flesh ratio is higher than regular grapes, giving them a more concentrated flavor that’s prized by chefs and food enthusiasts. Characteristics The most obvious characteristic you’ll notice is size. These grapes are tiny compared to standard varieties. Individual berries rarely exceed 1/4 inch in diameter, clustering together in small, tight bunches that are usually only a few inches long. The vines themselves are vigorous growers that can reach 10 feet long or more if left unpruned. They produce heart-shaped leaves typical of grape vines, with good fall color in many climates. The growth habit is similar to wine grapes, with strong woody canes that need support. Champagne grapes are typically seedless or nearly seedless, though some varieties may have very small, soft seeds. The berries have thin skins that are easy to bite through, and the flesh is incredibly sweet with a pleasant, slightly tart finish. Harvest timing is crucial because these grapes can go from perfectly ripe to overripe very quickly due to their small size and thin skins. Native Area Most champagne grape varieties originate from the Mediterranean region, particularly Greece and surrounding areas. The Black Corinth variety that’s commonly sold as champagne grapes has been cultivated in Greece for over 2,000 years. These grapes evolved in a climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The Mediterranean climate provides the long, warm growing season these grapes need to develop their characteristic sweetness, along with the dry conditions that help prevent fungal diseases. The original growing regions have rocky, well-draining soils and plenty of sunshine, which influences how these grapes perform in cultivation. Understanding this background helps explain their specific growing requirements. Planting Spring planting works best for champagne grapes in most climates. You want to get them established during the growing season so they can develop strong root systems before winter arrives. In mild climates, fall planting can work, but spring gives you the best chance of success. They need full sun (at least 6-8 hours daily) and excellent air circulation to prevent disease problems. Choose a spot with well-draining soil where water doesn’t collect after rain. Plant bare-root vines in early spring while they’re still dormant. Dig holes wide enough to spread the roots comfortably, but don’t plant too deeply. Container plants can go in the ground once soil temperatures warm up. Space plants about 6 feet apart if you’re growing multiple vines. They’ll need sturdy support structures, so install trellises or posts before planting to avoid disturbing the roots later.
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’Jubilee’ bush watermelons bring exceptional sweetness on a compact, bushy form. Versatile across garden scales, including in pots and small spaces, the dwarf variety makes growing the hallmark fruits of summer achievable. Garden expert Katherine Rowe explores the merits of ‘Jubilee’ bush to highlight the warm season. ’Jubilee’ bush watermelons celebrate the flavor of summer. The dwarf melons boast superior sweetness on compact vines. Made for hot weather, the relative of a favorite southern heirloom stands up to heat and humidity for refreshing rewards on long summer days. An excellent melon for hot climates, ‘Jubilee’ bush is also a space-saving option with shorter vines and smaller fruits than the classically large oblongs. They’re a fit for containers and raised beds, and can grow vertically to free up ground space. ‘Jubilee’ bush expands the options for growing sweet, juicy fruits across climates and garden situations. Savor the delicious taste of summer by planting now and enjoying them later in the season. What are ‘Jubilee’ Bush Watermelons? ‘Jubilee’ bush is a prized watermelon variety for its flavor, manageable size, and ability to withstand heat and humidity with good production and disease resistance. Its high sugar content makes it a sweet selection among bush types, which aren’t always as sweet, juicy, and tender as their full-size counterparts. ‘Jubilee’ bush has lineage in the favorite heirloom ‘Jubilee’, a result of several crosses introduced by the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station in the early 1960s. ‘Jubilee’ is tops for its large, flavorful melons and resistance to wilt and anthracnose, setting it up for good yields in humid conditions. Like all melons, ‘Jubilee’ bush is in the Cucurbitaceae family along with squashes and cucumbers. Watermelons are long-maturing, soaking in the warmth and sun of summer days as they fill and sweeten. Characteristics ‘Jubilee’ bush produces light green, oval fruits with dark striping. The bright red flesh has a fine, crisp texture to complement the sweet taste. Ready for harvesting in about 90 days, ‘Jubilee’ bush produces three to five fruits per plant. The oval melons weigh 10 to 13 pounds, as compared to the 35-pounders of the standard ‘Jubilee,’ which reach over two feet long. The manageable vines spread three to five feet with resistance to common cucurbit diseases of Fusarium wilt and anthracnose. Native Area Citrullus lanatus is native to North Africa, with wild ancestors in southern Africa and the Kalahari Desert. The drought-tolerant species weren’t necessarily sweet, but they contained water for hydration. The fruits made their way to Egypt, where cultivation began for improvements in water content and sweetness. The ancient watermelons even appear in tombs in painted depictions and as physical seeds. The crop later presents in historical references in Israel, Ancient Rome, China, and Europe. The fruits traveled through colonization and the slave trade from Africa, making their way to North America. Cultivation dedicated to disease-resistant, table quality crops heightened during the last century and continues to innovate. Warm, sun-drenched growing conditions remain essential for their development. Planting In the ground, direct sow watermelon seeds or seedlings into low mounds to improve air circulation, drainage, and minimize damp conditions that lead to disease issues. Mounding also reduces root and vine competition for moisture, nutrients, and sunlight. Two to three vines planted in low, 16-inch tall mounds give vining stems room to run while elevating the crowns. Allow six to seven feet between mounds for vines to run.
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Craving a taste of pure summer? Join farmer Briana Yablonski to learn all you need to grow delicious 'Crimson Sweet' watermelons. Slicing into a watermelon during the peak of summer is one of the best ways to give yourself a reprieve from the heat, especially if you’ve just spent a few hours working in the garden. ‘Crimson Sweet’ is a time-tested favorite that yields large, pink-fleshed melons perfect for slicing and sharing with friends. The plants take over three months to mature, so planting them early in the summer is one key element of growing a successful crop. You’ll also need to supply the proper amount of water, watch out for diseases, and know how to pick a ripe watermelon. If you’ve never grown watermelons before, don’t be intimidated. I’ll share key growing information as well as helpful tips for growing a successful crop. What Is It? ‘Crimson Sweet’ is one of the most widely grown watermelons in the United States. It’s what many people think of when they’re looking for a melon for a summer picnic or backyard party: large with a striped green rind and bright pink flesh. The melon first emerged in 1963 thanks to the efforts of Charlie Hall. Hall developed an interest in botany and plant breeding while attending the University of Arkansas, then went to Kansas State to earn a doctoral degree. While earning his doctorate, he continued to breed watermelons. After breeding the melons for ten years, he released the ‘Crimson Sweet’ variety in 1963. This cultivar won the All-American Selections award the following year. Characteristics ‘Crimson Sweet’ has a beautiful and distinctive rind with light and dark green stripes. The melons grow close to a foot in diameter and weigh between 15 and 25 pounds. Slicing into the rind reveals bright pink flesh with an impressive sweetness. The melons aren’t seedless, but they produce fewer seeds than many other watermelon varieties. The plants have a vining growth habit, so expect them to quickly cover a large section of your garden. Deeply-lobed leaves grow from the vine and remain close to the ground. Eventually, the plants produce small, yellow flowers, some of which are female and others male. After the female flowers are properly pollinated, they begin producing fruit. The fruits start out small, but quickly grow with a moderate amount of water and lots of sun. You can expect to harvest the first fruits about 85 days after sowing the seeds. Native Area Watermelons first emerged in areas of North and Central Africa. The modern varieties of watermelons we’re familiar with barely resemble the native plants and were created after years of plant breeding. Planting Like with all melons, you can grow ‘Crimson Sweet’ watermelons by transplanting seedlings or direct sowing the seeds. Either method works well, but transplanting allows you to get a jumpstart on the growing season. Since direct sowing is easier and removes the risk of transplant shock, it’s generally the preferred planting method. Regardless of whether you want to start seeds indoors for transplanting or sow them directly in your garden, keep a few key points in mind. First, remember that watermelons are warm-weather crops that require high temperatures to germinate and grow well. The seeds germinate best when the soil is between 80 and 95°F (27-35°C), and germination severely suffers when the soil is below 70°F (21°C). So, wait until the soil warms outdoors, or start the seeds indoors on a heat mat. Second, bury the seeds at the appropriate depth. Since watermelon seeds are larger than many other types of seeds, you can bury them about one-half of an inch deep. Finally, plant at the proper spacing. These plants like to sprawl, so allow three feet of space between each plant. You can plant multiple seeds per hole, but thin to one plant once the seedlings have their first set of true leaves.
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Container growing can be a great solution for gardeners in cool climates who want to grow their own avocado trees. Join Florida gardener Melissa Strauss for some tips on growing one of these tropical trees in a pot or container. There is no doubt about it, avocados are popular. With some amazing nutritional benefits and that famously creamy texture, there just is no substitute for this tasty fruit. The trees, however, are tropical and grow in a relatively limited range. If you don’t live in a warm climate, you’ve probably been stuck paying top dollar for your avocados at the supermarket. If this is your plight, I have some excellent news for you! There are varieties of avocado that you can grow in a pot or container, even in cool climates. Growing an avocado tree in a pot or container allows you to bring it indoors for the winter. Since these trees are not especially cold-tolerant, they won’t survive the winter in many parts of the country. Planting yours in a container will make all the difference if you live north of zone 9. Here’s how to do it! What Are Avocado Trees? Avocado trees are multi-branched evergreens that love warm, humid weather and lots of sunshine. As a result, they can be a challenge to grow in cool climates and indoors. However, some excellent dwarf varieties will thrive in a large container. Let’s talk about these trees and how to keep them healthy in a pot. Characteristics When discussing growing an avocado tree in a pot or container, we will primarily focus on dwarf varieties. A standard-sized tree can reach anywhere from 20 to 80 feet tall at maturity, so naturally, these are tough to bring in for the winter. Dwarf varieties often stay between eight and 12 feet tall, and you can keep them even shorter by pruning properly. Dwarf avocado trees are slower growing and have a dense, bushy form compared to most standard trees. A grafted cultivar can produce fruit in about two to four years, and the fruits are comparable in size and quality to a standard. They are slower growing and ideal for urban gardeners or anyone with limited space. Native Area Avocado trees are native to the southern part of Central America. Their range spans from the eastern highlands of central Mexico, down through Guatemala, and into some parts of South America. They appear in tropical and subtropical mountainous regions at elevations up to 6,600 feet. Planting Since we are discussing growing avocado trees in containers or pots, we won’t delve into the specific time of year. You can purchase and repot your tree at any time of year, as long as you provide it with proper care, including limiting exposure to cold temperatures. Choose a large container, as large as possible, to contain the extensive root system. A wide pot is going to be more effective than a deep one. These trees have shallow, fibrous, and extensive root systems that don’t extend deeply into the earth. Most of the root system will be in the top several inches of soil. For a young tree, choose a pot that is at least 12″-15″ in diameter. A mature tree will thrive best in a container that holds 20-25 gallons, so plan for that when you decide where it will live during the colder months.
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If you’re looking for the sweetest strawberry to grow in your garden this year, look no further than 'Albion' strawberries. These day-neutral plants are easy to grow and produce tons of delicious fruit. In this article, horticulture expert Matt Dursum shows you how to plant, grow, and care for these high-yielding berries. ‘Albion’ Strawberries are wonderfully sweet and easy to grow. They produce sweet, deep red berries throughout the growing season. The large berries are super plump, juicy, and flavorful, making them ideal for desserts, jams, or for eating fresh off the plants. If you’re a first-time strawberry grower, you can grow these productive strawberries easily in containers, hanging gardens, vertical planters, or garden beds. They’re resilient to many diseases and handle high heat and humidity. Let’s dive into how to plant, grow, and care for these mouth-watering strawberries. You’ll enjoy the beginner-friendly ‘Albion’ strawberry plants with just a little maintenance and care. What Is It? ‘Albion’ is a gorgeous variety of strawberries that produces large, flavorful fruits. They have a conical shape and bright red color. The berries are flavorful and high in nutrients such as Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. Because they’re day-neutral everbearing, you’ll enjoy harvesting ripe fruit throughout the season. They are excellent in desserts, salads, or eaten fresh. If you’re a beginning gardener, you’ll love these easy-to-grow plants. They thrive with very little care or attention. They’re also resilient to many pests and diseases. Characteristics These small herbaceous perennials grow radially from a central plant. They can adapt to many soil types and containers like vertical planters and hanging baskets. As they grow, they spread out by creating runners that continuously find new sources of water and soil. Each baby runner can be propagated into a brand new plant. As ground cover, these strawberries work incredibly well as a natural mulch. Their foliage protects the soil from losing moisture. Their foliage protects beneficial insects in your garden beds or containers. Before fruiting, the plants produce beautiful, tiny flowers that attract beneficial pollinators. If you want to create a magnificent edible garden, planting these large and easy-to-maintain strawberry plants is a great idea. Native Area Strawberry plants are native to the Americas. The genus has been harvested by Native Americans for millennia. In the 17th century, Europeans first documented their encounters with the delicious fruits. You can still find these wild ancestors growing in fields from the Northeast to the Northwest. When breeders got hold of the South American wild strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis), they bred it with the North American Fragaria virginiana. They created the species we know and love today, Fragaria × ananassa. These modern strawberries became garden and commercial staples around the world. ‘Albion’ varieties were first cultivated in 2006. They’re a cross between the varieties Cal 94.16-1 and Diamante. From their home in California, they quickly grew in popularity and soon became one of the dominant strawberry varieties grown commercially and in home gardens. Planting Planting ‘Albion’ strawberries is super easy, even for beginning gardeners. They thrive in most growing conditions and can tolerate both warm and cold temperatures once they’re mature. Below are some helpful pointers for getting healthy and delicious berries in your garden this year.
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Are you looking for seriously delicious berries to grow this year? If so, try planting tayberries for their bountiful harvests and easy-to-maintain nature. In this article, plant expert Matt Dursum covers how to plant, grow, and care for tayberries. Tayberries are delicious, sweet, and juicy, with refreshing tartness and great texture. They’re even sweeter than loganberries and have a very berry-like flavor that almost resembles a dark blackberry wine. Like blackberries and raspberries, they’re incredibly easy to grow in many climates throughout the US. They produce a massive harvest in mid-summer. Enjoy them raw right off the vine or use them in jams, sauces, or fruit wines. Grow these beautiful berries wherever you grow blackberries and raspberries. They’ll thrive with very little maintenance and provide tons of fresh fruit for very little effort. Let’s dive into more about these wonderful plants and their mouth-watering fruit. What Is It? Tayberries are a cross between blackberries and red raspberries. They share many characteristics with the two plant species. They have a sweet and tart flavor that’s hard not to adore, especially on a warm summer day. These berries grow on long canes, which are covered in sharp thorns, similar to many varieties of blackberries. The canes radiate from the central plant and are easy to control. Tayberries produce larger fruits than blackberries or raspberries, which can get to over an inch long. Because they’re more delicate than their parent species, they have almost no commercial value other than novelty jams and wines. Characteristics Tayberry plants produce fruit on 2-year-old canes. After producing fruit, these canes will naturally die back. New canes will grow from the central plant and be ready for fruiting the following year. Unlike some species of blackberries, tayberries are easy to control. They work great as natural hedges or edible border crops. Their canes will grow up to 6 feet in length, with some individuals growing larger in the right conditions. The fruits appear red to dark purple. The darker berries tend to have the most sweetness, while the red berries have higher acidity. The fruits are actually aggregate fruits, meaning they’re made up of tiny druplets, each with a seed inside. Besides their delicious fruit, these berries attract beneficial pollinators to your garden. They’re also one of the prized species on the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit list. Native Area Tayberries were first introduced to the world in Scotland at the Scottish Horticultural Research Institute. In 1980, horticulturist Derek Jennings crossed a European raspberry with an Aurora blackberry plant. After creating the new hybrid, he named it after the River Tay in Scotland. The plant quickly gained popularity throughout the UK. Soon, growers brought tayberries to the US, where they took off in the Pacific Northwest. Their parents originated in Europe. Other species of brambles are native throughout the world. They grow in cooler regions with heavy moisture and temperate climates. People have been eating and cultivating brambles for thousands of years as food and medicine. Planting Planting tayberries is incredibly easy and similar to raspberries and blackberries. They’re less likely to grow uncontrollably than many popular blackberry varieties. Tayberries are trailing types of brambles that grow best on trellises. Plant them with plenty of space from other individuals to avoid overcrowding. Grow them in garden beds or around your garden borders. They’ll flourish as long as the soil is well-drained and full of organic material. Plant them with other sun-loving berries or brambles for a productive edible garden.
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