How to Grow Boysenberries in Zone 9

Boysenberries are a hybrid combination of both blackberries and raspberries. When fully ripe they have a slightly lighter coloring than blackberries and a more tart taste. The berries grow on bushes that survive in all regions of the U.S. that have minimum winter temperatures above 0 degrees Fahrenheit. In zone 9, they have an extended growing season that lasts well into fall. Zone 9 includes mid-Florida, the southern tip of Texas and most parts of California.

Manure or compost
Garden tiller
Shovel
Eye hooks
Wire
Bird netting

Instructions

- 1
  Wait until late October or early November and find a planting location that is in full sunlight to partial shade. Choose a location near a wall, fence or trellis that protects the site from strong wind and provides support.
- 2
  Spread a 2-inch layer of manure or compost on top of the desired planting site and push a garden tiller over the area to mix it into the soil to a 5- or 6-inch depth.
- 3
  Dig a hole that is the same width and depth as the root ball of the boysenberry plant. Remove the boysenberry plant from the plant pot and insert the roots into the hole. Fill in the hole with soil and pat it down firmly with your hands.
- 4
  Water the soil under the boysenberry plant well until it is completely moist. After planting, water approximately once per week until the bush develops fruit and then keep the soil constantly moist.
- 5
  Insert eye hooks into the wall or fence behind the boysenberry bush 3 feet above the ground and 6 feet apart. Tie a wire to the loop in each hook, making the wire taut. Repeat to install two additional wires above the first wire, spacing each 3 feet above the previous one.
- 6
  Lay a bird net on top of the boysenberry bush as soon as small fruits start to develop. The net should completely cover the bush and touch the ground on all sides.

How to Grow Boysenberries in Your Back Yard

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Growing Berries