How to Grow Black Raspberry 'Newlogann'

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Black Raspberry 'Newlogann'

Rubus occidentalis 'Newlogann'

shrub

A thornless black raspberry cultivar that produces sweet, dark berries ideal for fresh eating and preservation. 'Newlogann' is a disease-resistant variety bred for home gardeners, offering reliable yields with minimal maintenance compared to thorny varieties.

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

  1. Plant Black Raspberry 'Newlogann'

    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 'Newlogann'

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

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

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum
💧
Water: Consistent moisture during growing season (1-1.5 inches per week); reduce in dormancy. Mulch heavily to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
📏
Spacing: 36 inches
📅
Days to maturity: Berry production begins second year; full productivity by year 3-4
🌱
Planting depth: Plant at same depth as in nursery container; roots should be spread horizontally in planting hole

Soil

Type: Well-draining, fertile loamy soil with organic matter
pH: 6.0-6.8
Amendments:
Compost or aged manure Peat moss or coconut coir Balanced fertilizer (10-10-10)

Growing Zones

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Zones 4-7, with best performance in zones 5-6

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

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment (Year 1)

4-5 months from planting

Canes emerge from crown and grow 3-6 feet tall with soft green stems and compound leaves

Water deeply twice weekly; remove any early flowers to encourage root establishment; apply 3-4 inches of mulch around base

2

Dormancy (Winter Year 1)

3-4 months

Canes harden off and turn reddish-brown; plant goes dormant with leaf drop

Reduce watering; no fertilizer needed; protect from harsh wind with mulch or stakes if in exposed location

3

Floricane Growth (Spring Year 2)

4-6 weeks

Previous year's canes produce lateral branches and flower buds along entire length

Prune out weak or diseased canes before growth starts; thin to 4-6 strong canes per plant; monitor for pests

4

Flowering & Fruiting (Late Spring-Summer Year 2)

6-8 weeks

Small white flowers bloom on laterals, followed by aggregate berries that ripen from red to black over 2-3 weeks

Water consistently; avoid overhead irrigation to prevent fungal issues; support heavy fruit with stakes or trellis if needed

5

Primocane Growth & Harvest (Summer-Fall Year 2+)

8-12 weeks

New canes grow from crown simultaneously as old canes produce fruit; harvest ripe black berries; new growth reaches 4-6 feet

Harvest berries every 2-3 days; remove floricanes after harvest; thin primocanes to strongest growth for next year

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Avoid planting near:

Other Rubus species (cross-disease susceptibility) Fennel Potato Tomato Walnut (black walnut is allelopathic)

Common Pests

  • Hand-pick early morning; use pheromone traps away from plants; spray neem oil if severe

  • Remove affected leaves; prune canes in fall; apply spinosad if heavy infestation

  • Increase humidity with water spray; apply miticide or neem oil; ensure adequate water during drought

  • Prune and remove affected canes immediately; burn or bury debris; no effective chemical control

  • Apply sulfur dust in spring; remove affected leaves; improve air circulation

Uses

🍳

Fresh eating and preserves

Culinary

Black raspberries are prized for their complex, sweet-tart flavor superior to red raspberries. Excellent fresh, in jams, pies, cobblers, and as a topping for yogurt and ice cream. [source]

💊

Antioxidant supplement

Medicinal

Black raspberries are exceptionally high in anthocyanins and polyphenols, compounds studied for anti-inflammatory and potential cancer-preventive properties. Often used in herbal medicine as immune support. [source]

🏠

Natural dye and juice

Household

The deep purple-black juice yields vibrant natural dyes for fabric and food coloring. Juice can be used in beverages, syrups, and as a food colorant. [source]

🦋

Bird and pollinator food source

Wildlife

Canes and berries provide excellent habitat and food for birds (robins, thrushes), butterflies, and native bees. Flowers attract pollinators. [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 ripen black over 2-3 weeks in mid-to-late summer (typically July-August in northern regions). Harvest when fully black and slightly soft—they should come off the plant with gentle twist. Pick every 2-3 days for peak ripeness and flavor. Best harvested early morning when cool. Use for fresh eating, jam, freezing, or baking within 1-2 days of harvest.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Black raspberries contain up to 3 times the antioxidant content of red raspberries and are sometimes called 'blackcaps' in the eastern U.S.
  • 🌱 The 'Newlogann' cultivar was developed specifically as a thornless variety, making harvesting and handling significantly easier than wild or heritage black raspberry plants.
  • 🌱 Black raspberry canes are biennial—the first year they grow (primocanes), the second year they produce fruit and then die back, requiring annual pruning to maintain vigor and disease control.

Gardening Terms

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

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