Tayberry – 20 Seeds

Tayberry (Rubus fruticosus x ideaus) is a cross between a blackberry and a red raspberry, named after the River Tay in Scotland. It is closely related to the loganberry and was originally created as an improved loganberry, but the fruit is sweeter, much larger, and more aromatic than that of the loganberry.

It is a bramble with thorns which requires a trellis or fence to grow on. They are very vigorous, consistent growers and reliable, heavy croppers. The cropping period is long, from late spring to late-summer. The fruits grow on short laterals on prickly canes 1.8 to 2.1 m long. Tayberries produce the most berries when in full sun and in well-drained soil with a high amount of organic materials.

Tayberry fruit are cone shaped and are initially a reddish-maroon color, changing to reddish-purple or purple, when fully ripe. The berries can be up to 4 cm long. Great for fresh eating, jams, jellies and pies.It is a bramble with thorns which requires a trellis or fence to grow on.

Growing Tayberry

Indoor Sowing: Cold Stratification and then transplant seedlings once big enough.

Direct Sowing:  Autumn and Early Winter.

• The seeds need to be stratified before planting.
• Place the Tayberry seeds in a resealable plastic bag along with a handful of damp peat moss. Seal the bag, and place in a refrigerator.
• Keep the seeds chilled for 12 to 16 weeks.
• Fill seed trays with seed starter soil, and spread the seeds on top of the soil.
• Lightly cover the seeds with soil, and place in a warm area.
• Seed germination does not require bright light since the seeds are covered with soil.
• Mist the soil with water in a spray bottle whenever the soil begins to dry out.
• Once seedlings begin to sprout, move the tray to an area with bright light.
• When transplanting into the garden, select a planting area in full to partial sun.
• Pick a location with good drainage.
• Spread a layer of well-rotted compost over the planting area and work the compost into the top 8 inches of soil. This gives the plants a good source of slow-release nutrients. Smooth the soil with a rake.
• Dig holes with a hand trowel only as deep and wide as the seedlings’ root balls.
• Place the seedlings in the holes, and fill with soil.
• Gently firm the soil around the brambles so that they stand up.
• Water the soil around the base of the plants until it is slightly muddy.
• Give the berry plants 1 inch of water each week when there is no rainfall during the summer.
• Mulching benefits the plants by reducing weed growth, slowing soil moisture evaporation and providing slow-release nutrients. Keep the mulch layer thick throughout the life of the plant.
• Can be successfully grown in containers as well.