Organic Black Raspberry Bushes

Organic Standards

• According to the USDA National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), an organic black raspberry bush has been grown within an "ecological production system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity." The goal of organic growers is to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people. Labels such as "natural" and "eco-friendly" may indicate some organic methods were used but do not guarantee strict adherence to organic practices.

Raspberry Types

• Black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) is native to the eastern United States, while the black raspberry (Rubus leucodermis) is native to the Western U.S. Commercial varieties sold as black raspberry are most frequently the Rubus occidentalis type. Black raspberry bushes are also known as black cap, scotch cap and thimbleberry. Both types are deciduous bushes with a perennial crown and biennial canes. Canes flower and fruit in their second year.

Raspberry Bush Characteristics

• Organic black raspberry fruit turns red to black as it matures. Undersides of the leaves and the stems are white. Canes may reach 3 to 5 feet in length and form thick tangles if not pruned. Pruning takes place after summer fruit harvest. Second-year canes are cut back to ground level. First-year canes now become the fruit-bearing canes of the following summer. Fruit ripens in early to mid-summer, depending on variety.

Organic Care

• Organic care for black raspberry bushes includes the use of fertilizer derived from all-natural sources such as fish waste products, bone and blood meal, feathermeal, mined rock phosphates, animal manures, cottonseed meal and alfalfa meal. Homemade backyard compost is the least-expensive choice of fertilizer. Insect and disease damage is reduced by keeping plants well pruned to improve air circulation, practicing integrated pest management techniques and maintaining a diverse mixture of plants nearby.