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How to Grow Black Raspberry Blackhawk

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Black Raspberry Blackhawk

Rubus occidentalis 'Blackhawk'

fruit

Blackhawk is a cold-hardy black raspberry cultivar bred for disease resistance and productivity in northern climates. It produces sweet, firm berries on erect, thornless canes that reach 4-6 feet tall. This variety is prized for fresh eating, freezing, and jam-making due to its excellent flavor and shelf life.

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Example Black Raspberry Blackhawk timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Black Raspberry Blackhawk

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Black Raspberry Blackhawk

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Black Raspberry Blackhawk dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; minimum 6 hours required for good berry production
💧
Water: Regular watering, 1-1.5 inches per week during growing season; maintain consistent moisture but avoid waterlogging. Increase watering during fruiting and drought periods.
📏
Spacing: 24 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 18-24 months from planting to first significant harvest; peak production by year 3-4
🌱
Planting depth: Plant bare-root canes with crown 1-2 inches below soil surface; transplants at same depth as container

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter
pH: 5.5-7.0
Amendments:
Compost Aged manure Peat moss or coconut coir Sulfur if pH is too high

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 3-7; exceptional cold hardiness makes it ideal for northern regions

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

4-6 months after planting

First-year canes emerge and grow vegetatively; plants focus on root and shoot development with minimal flowering

Remove flowers and small fruits first year to direct energy to cane growth. Prune weak canes and maintain consistent moisture. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base.

2

Cane Development

6-8 weeks during mid-late summer of year 1

Primocanes (first-year canes) grow to full height (4-6 feet) by mid-to-late summer; multiple lateral branches develop

Support tall canes with trellising or stakes if needed. Continue weed control and mulch maintenance. Do not prune until dormancy.

3

Dormancy & Floricane Preparation

October-March

Canes harden off in fall, turning darker in color. Floricanes (second-year canes) remain dormant over winter and are ready to flower in spring

Prune dead, damaged, or weak canes in late winter (February-March). Remove the top 6-12 inches of floricanes to encourage branching. Apply dormant oil if disease history warrants.

4

Flowering & Fruiting

8-10 weeks (April-June)

Floricanes produce small white flowers in spring (April-May), followed by green berries that ripen to glossy black by mid-to-late June

Ensure consistent watering as berries develop. Monitor for pests and diseases closely. Provide shade cloth in extremely hot regions (85°F+) to reduce sun scald.

5

Harvest

3-4 weeks (mid-June through early July)

Ripe berries are jet-black, soft, and release easily from the core; harvest at peak ripeness

Pick berries in early morning when cool; handle gently to avoid crushing. Harvest every 2-3 days at peak season. After fruiting ends, remove spent floricanes to the ground.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Borage Comfrey Oregano Thyme Chamomile Alliums (garlic, chives, onions)

Avoid planting near:

Other Rubus species (red raspberries, blackberries) within 300 feet to prevent disease transmission Potatoes Tomatoes Eggplants Peppers

Common Pests

  • Hand-pick early morning, use row covers on young plantings, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; avoid traps near fruit production area

  • Strong water spray to dislodge, insecticidal soap, horticultural oils, encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs

  • Prune and destroy infested canes below the entry hole, remove fruiting canes immediately after harvest

  • Increase humidity, strong water spray, neem oil, sulfur dust in hot, dry conditions

  • Remove affected canes, apply spinosad or insecticidal soap, maintain plant vigor

Uses

🍳

Fresh fruit and preserves

Culinary

Black raspberries are prized for their rich, complex flavor with subtle tartness. They are excellent eaten fresh, frozen, made into jams, syrups, or baked into pies and desserts. [source]

💊

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

Medicinal

Black raspberries contain high levels of anthocyanins and polyphenols with documented antioxidant activity. Traditionally used to support immune function and reduce inflammation. [source]

🏠

Natural dye production

Household

The deep purple-black juice of black raspberries produces a natural dye suitable for textiles and craft projects. The color is relatively stable and long-lasting. [source]

🦋

Wildlife habitat and food source

Wildlife

Black raspberry plants provide shelter and berries for birds, small mammals, and beneficial insects. The dense cane structure offers nesting sites and protection. [source]

🍳

Wine and liqueur production

Culinary

Black raspberries ferment well and produce deep-colored wines and liqueurs with complex berry flavors. Historically used in European cordial production. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Berries are ready to harvest when fully black and soft to touch, typically mid-to-late June in northern zones. Pick in the cool early morning for best flavor and shelf life. Gently cup berries in your palm—ripe berries will release from the core easily. For freezing, spread fresh berries on a tray, freeze solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Black raspberries peak in sweetness for only 1-2 days after ripening, so harvest frequently. After fruiting ends, immediately remove spent floricanes at ground level to prevent disease and encourage new primocane growth.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Blackhawk was specifically bred by the University of Minnesota for extreme cold hardiness and disease resistance, making it one of the most reliable black raspberry varieties for northern gardens.
  • 🌱 Black raspberries are native to eastern North America and are distinct from red raspberries and blackberries; they have a unique hollow core that distinguishes them from blackberries.
  • 🌱 A single mature black raspberry plant can produce 8-12 pounds of berries per season at peak production, yet the berries are extremely perishable—lasting only 1-2 days fresh at room temperature.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Full Sun Mulch Trellis
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