How to Grow Black Raspberry 'Blackhawk'
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Black Raspberry 'Blackhawk'
Rubus occidentalis 'Blackhawk'
shrubBlackhawk is a cold-hardy black raspberry cultivar bred for northern climates, producing medium to large, glossy black berries with excellent flavor and disease resistance. These thornless or nearly thornless canes grow vigorously and reliably produce abundant fruit in mid-summer. The variety is particularly valued for its winter hardiness and resistance to common raspberry diseases.
When should you plant Black Raspberry 'Blackhawk' in your zone?
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Example Black Raspberry 'Blackhawk' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Black Raspberry 'Blackhawk'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Black Raspberry 'Blackhawk'
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 3-6; exceptional cold hardiness makes it ideal for northern gardens
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Get my Black Raspberry 'Blackhawk' timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment (Year 1)
Full first growing seasonNewly planted canes send up primocanes (first-year canes) with compound leaves, establishing root system
Keep well-watered; pinch back tall canes to encourage branching; remove dead or damaged canes; no fruit expected
Floricane Growth (Spring, Year 2)
4-6 weeks in springPrevious year's primocanes (now called floricanes) leaf out in spring with visible flower buds along branches
Apply dormant oil spray if needed; prune out winter-damaged canes; remove thin, weak canes to direct energy to strong ones
Flowering (Late Spring/Early Summer)
3-4 weeksSmall white or pale pink flowers bloom along floricanes in clusters; simultaneous new primocanes emerge from base
Ensure consistent watering; avoid fertilizing with excess nitrogen; monitor for pests and diseases
Fruiting & Harvest (Mid to Late Summer)
4-6 weeks harvest windowGreen berries form and ripen to glossy black over 3-4 weeks; primocanes continue growing vigorously
Water deeply during fruit development; harvest ripe berries every 2-3 days; support heavy-laden canes if needed
Post-Harvest Dormancy (Fall/Winter)
Fall through winterFloricanes that fruited senesce (die); primocanes harden off and enter dormancy with no leaves
Remove and destroy spent floricanes after harvest; primocanes are pruned to 4-5 feet tall in late fall; mulch for winter protection
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick in early morning; use row covers during peak season; apply neem oil or spinosad; introduce beneficial parasitic wasps
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Prune and destroy affected canes below the girdled area; keep plants vigorous; no chemical controls highly effective
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Spray with strong water stream; increase humidity; apply neem oil or sulfur in hot weather
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Apply spinosad or pyrethrin at bloom time; remove and destroy infested fruit; maintain sanitation
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Use horticultural oil in early spring; remove debris where insects overwinter
Uses
Fresh eating and preserves
CulinaryBlackhawk berries are excellent fresh, with balanced sweet-tart flavor ideal for eating out of hand. They're superb for jams, jellies, pies, and cobblers, yielding beautiful deep purple color. [source]
Traditional herbal remedy
MedicinalBlack raspberry leaves have been used historically in herbal tea to support digestive health and provide antioxidants. The berries themselves are rich in polyphenols with potential anti-inflammatory benefits. [source]
Wine and beverage production
CulinaryBlack raspberries produce deeply colored, flavorful wines and liqueurs. The juice is valued for smoothies, syrups, and specialized beverages. [source]
Natural dye source
HouseholdBlack raspberry fruit and leaves can be used to create natural purple and blue dyes for textiles and crafts. [source]
Wildlife food source
WildlifeThe abundant fruit attracts birds, including robins and cardinals, and provides nutritious food for wildlife. The thorny (or semi-thorny) canes also offer nesting habitat. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest berries in mid to late summer when fully black and soft to touch. Pick every 2-3 days at peak ripeness for best flavor. Berries do not ripen further after picking. Gentle handling prevents crushing. Harvest in cool morning hours. Blackhawk produces reliably for 10-15+ years with proper maintenance.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Blackhawk was specifically bred at the University of Minnesota to survive harsh northern winters, making it one of the most cold-hardy black raspberry cultivars available to home gardeners.
- 🌱 Black raspberries (Rubus occidentalis) are native to North America and are less commonly cultivated than red or golden raspberries, making Blackhawk a specialty variety prized by serious fruit growers.
- 🌱 The 'thornless or nearly thornless' trait in Blackhawk reduces picking injuries compared to wild black raspberries, making harvest much more pleasant for home gardeners.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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