Raintree has selected from among the many berries that can be grown by home gardeners, the berries and cultivars that are rated highest in healthy nutrients.
(5 or more $7.50 Each) Selected for its late, late ripening, Aurora extends the blueberry harvest into early autumn. The berries ripen over three to four pickings, producing an extremely high yield of flavorful fruit. Harvest when fully ripe. Aurora grows to 6' tall and develops deep red fall color.
(Sambucus nigra) A spectacular ornamental bush for your yard, Black Beauty T grows about 10' tall with deep, purple-black foliage. Lemon-scented, pink flowers cover the bush in June and July, contrasting perfectly with the foliage. Black Beauty bears clusters of edible black berries in fall when pollinated by another S. nigra variety. From the East Malling Research Station in England. P.P. 12,305. Photo from springmeadownursery.com.
This variety from Nova Scotia grows only one foot tall and spreads out five feet wide to become an edible mat of glossy green foliage and delicious pea size blueberries. One gallon pot
($4.50/each; Pkg of 5 $18.50; Three or more Pkgs of 5 $15.00/each) Vigorous and full of healthful nutrients and antioxidants, this heavy yielding, red raspberry produces loads of delicious fruit on primocanes from late August until fall. Proven successful from coast to coast, Caroline responds well to warmer summer temperatures by ripening earlier. The wonderfully tasty fruit is large, red and firm. (PP# 10412)
(Lycium barbarum var. Phoenix Tears) Also known as Wolfberry Vine, these sweet and nutritious berries are eaten fresh, juiced or dried like raisins. The berries are a popular medicinal herb. Among the highest in protein and anti-oxidants, they have more carotene than carrots, and contain all the essential amino acids and many minerals. Grow this attractive Chinese native on a trellis to more than 10' tall or trim it it as a bush and keep at 4-6' tall. Light purple, bell shaped flowers bloom in May and continue throughout the summer. The third year and thereafter, flowers are followed by orange-red berries. The plant is self-fertile, drought resistant, and likes a half to full day of sun and well-drained soil. It prefers warm summer days and cool nights prefers neutral or somewhat alkaline soil. Our plants are grown from cuttings and a superior cultivar.
3 OR MORE $14.00/EACH (Sambucus nigra) This unique German selection grows very upright and bears abundant clusters of striking, large, golden berries, which are accented by attracive light green foliage.
3 OR MORE $8.000/EACH (S. canadensis) Prohibited to California. A vigorous growing variety with huge clusters of large purple-black sweet berries. Needs another sambucas canadensis to pollinize.
3 OR MORE $19.50/EACH Orange berries cover the branches and ripen in September on this 8'-10' plant. Fruit ripens in September and remains on the plant until heavy frosts.
The male does not produce fruit but is an attractive ornamental and is needed as a pollinizer for the female. One male will pollinate up to eight females.
($4.50/each; Pkg of 5 $16.50; 10 or more $2.50; 25 or more $2.00/each) For many years, this very productive, easy-to-grow, late season variety has set the standard for raspberry flavor in our region that is equally good for fresh eating, freezing and juice. Plants produce manageable canes and a bountiful harvest each July. Eat plenty for high quantities of cancer-fighting Ellagitannin. Botrytis resistant. USDA Zones 6-9.
