9 

Raspberry 'Black Bristol'

2-Gallon

Height: 4-6 feet tall.
Spread: 3-4 feet.
Sunlight: Full sun.
Hardiness Zone: 4a.
Other Names: Rubus occidentalis 'Bristol'

Description:
A highly productive and cold-hardy black raspberry variety, 'Black Bristol' is prized for its large, firm berries with a rich, sweet flavor. It is an early to mid-season producer, delivering abundant yields of deep black raspberries that are excellent for fresh eating, baking, and preserves. This vigorous, disease-resistant variety is perfect for home gardens and small orchards.

Edible Qualities:
Raspberry 'Black Bristol' is known for its intensely sweet and juicy berries with a robust, classic black raspberry flavor. The fruit ripens in early to mid-summer and is perfect for fresh consumption and processing.

The fruit is most often used in the following ways:
- Fresh Eating
- Jams & Preserves
- Baking
- Smoothies
- Freezing

Features & Attributes:
Raspberry 'Black Bristol' features lush green foliage throughout the growing season, followed by clusters of small white flowers in spring that attract pollinators. Its deep black raspberries ripen in early summer and are packed with antioxidants and beneficial nutrients.

This is a deciduous shrub with an upright, clumping growth habit. It is disease-resistant and well-suited for various growing conditions, making it a low-maintenance and reliable option for home orchards.

Aside from its primary use as an edible, Raspberry 'Black Bristol' is suitable for the following landscape applications:
- Edible Hedges
- Home Gardens
- Wildlife Gardens

Planting & Growing:
Raspberry 'Black Bristol' will grow to be about 4-6 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 3-4 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 1-2 feet from the ground. It grows at a fast rate and, under ideal conditions, can be expected to live for 10-15 years.

This shrub thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It requires consistent moisture, particularly during fruit development, and benefits from an annual layer of mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. Pruning spent canes after fruiting encourages new growth and maximizes productivity.

Additional Characteristics:
- Early to Mid-Season Ripening
- High-Yielding
- Cold Hardy
- Disease Resistant
- Rich, Sweet Flavor