How to Grow Clackamas Crest
Clackamas Crest
Rubus loganbaccus × Rubus fruticosus (hybrid blackberry)
fruitClackamas Crest is a thornless, trailing blackberry cultivar developed by the USDA in Oregon. It produces large, sweet berries with excellent flavor and is known for its disease resistance and vigor. This variety is particularly suited for commercial and home cultivation in the Pacific Northwest and similar climates.
When should you plant Clackamas Crest in your zone?
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Example Clackamas Crest timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Clackamas Crest
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 Clackamas Crest
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Clackamas Crest dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 8-9, with some success in zone 7b with winter protection
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Get my Clackamas Crest timeline →Growth Stages
Vegetative Growth
Spring to fall of year 1Primocanes (first-year canes) rapidly elongate and develop foliage; plant can grow 6-8 feet
Provide sturdy trellis or support system; apply balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in spring; train canes horizontally for floricane (second-year) production
Dormancy
Winter (3-4 months)Canes harden off and go dormant over winter; foliage may drop
Prune out dead or diseased canes; apply dormant oil spray if needed for pest management; monitor for frost crack
Flowering & Fruiting
April-July (varies by region)Floricanes (second-year canes) produce white flowers in spring, developing into large black berries by early summer
Thin floricanes to 4-6 per plant for larger berries; apply balanced fertilizer or light potassium boost; ensure consistent water supply during fruit development
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Install insect netting over ripening berries; harvest frequently; use pheromone traps; apply spinosad or other organic insecticides if infestation is severe
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Remove and destroy affected canes; apply neem oil to base of plants in early summer; use traps or sticky barriers
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Prune out severely infested canes; apply dormant oil in winter; maintain good air circulation
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Hand-pick in early morning; use pheromone traps away from plantings; apply kaolin clay as a repellent
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Increase humidity; spray with water; apply miticide or insecticidal soap if severe
Uses
Fresh eating and baking
CulinaryClackamas Crest berries are sweet and juicy with excellent flavor, perfect for eating fresh or baking in pies, jams, and pastries. [source]
Antioxidant supplement
MedicinalBlackberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, traditionally used to support immune function and overall health. [source]
Jam and preserve production
HouseholdHigh pectin content and excellent flavor make Clackamas Crest ideal for homemade jams, jellies, and preserves with good set. [source]
Pollinator and bird food
WildlifeFlowers attract bees and pollinators; ripened berries feed birds and wildlife including thrushes, robins, and cedar waxwings. [source]
Wine and beverage production
CulinaryThe high sugar content and flavor profile of Clackamas Crest make it suitable for blackberry wine and infused spirits. [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 slightly soft (typically June-July in zone 8-9). Pick berries that release easily from the stem with a gentle tug—overripe berries may fall or crush. Harvest every 2-3 days at peak ripeness for best flavor. Berries do not ripen further after picking, so only harvest fully mature fruit.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Clackamas Crest is a thornless cultivar, making harvesting much more pleasant and safer compared to thorny blackberry varieties.
- 🌱 This variety was bred by the USDA Agricultural Research Service in Corvallis, Oregon, specifically for the Pacific Northwest climate and is named after the Clackamas County region in Oregon.
- 🌱 Clackamas Crest canes can grow over 8 feet in a single season if well-trained on a trellis, making it an excellent option for intensive cultivation in limited spaces.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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