Description
Cumberland Black Raspberry is a classic heirloom variety known for its rich, sweet flavor and strong performance across a wide range of climates. Introduced in the late 1800s, it remains one of the most widely grown black raspberry cultivars thanks to its productivity, cold hardiness, and excellent fruit quality.
Key Characteristics:
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Fruit: Produces medium to large, firm black raspberries with a deep color and sweet, intense flavor. Excellent for fresh eating, freezing, baking, and jam-making.
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Growth Habit: Vigorous and fast-growing plants reach about 4 to 5 feet tall. Canes are arching and typically require support or trellising to manage their growth.
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Harvest Season: Ripens in mid-season, usually from late June through early July depending on location and climate.
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Hardiness: Extremely adaptable and cold-hardy, suitable for USDA zones 5 through 9.
Cultivation Tips:
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Sunlight: Full sun is ideal for the best fruit production and plant vigor.
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Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
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Watering: Requires consistent moisture, especially during fruit development, while avoiding overwatering.
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Pruning: As a floricane-fruiting variety, prune spent canes at ground level after harvest. Tip-prune new canes in summer to control size and encourage branching.
Cumberland Black Raspberry is a reliable, time-tested variety that delivers delicious berries and vigorous growth, making it a staple in home gardens and small farms for over a century.
