Schwartzenbeeren is a very uncommon and interesting berry we started growing several years ago. They originated with the Volga Germans and were brought to this country sometime in the early 1800's be immigrants of that area. It has never gained commercial popularity as it is not adaptive to modern farming techniques. Even so, it has lived on all this time in small backyard gardens. If you know of any tight knit German communities, it is likely they know this berry well.

Schwartzenbeeren is often called the German Blackberry, as that is what the translated name means. It is not however related to what we know a American blackberry to be. While Schwartzenbeeren has sweetness, it is more tart. Some enjoy eating it fresh, but where it truly shines is in jelly's jams, pies, and cobblers. When a little sugar is added, is it absolutely incredible. It is the basis for a number of classic German and Russian dishes. Recipes are available online. They are also great in smoothies. They are high in Vitamin C and are very nutrient dense.

Plant seeds as you would tomatoes. Starting indoors 4-5 weeks before last frost is best, but direct sowing works well also. Bury seeds 1/4" under soil. Sprouts will emerge in 7-14 days. We like to plant them in small rows of 3-4 plants along the house or outbuildings. Plants are small and typically grow in groups. They are approximately 2-3 feet tall, and usually about as wide. Berry's grow in clusters of 6-10 and will begin to ripen by mid summer. Berry's are ripe when they have lost their glossy appearance and fall easily from the cluster. Our first year we only had 8 plants. I filled AT LEAST 8-10 quart freezer bags with juicy berries. Unlike most others berries, these berries hold on the plant when ripe for over a week, allowing convenient weekly and bi weekly pickings. Once they start bearing fruit, they will keep right on fruiting until a hard frost. Expect volunteers the following year. LOTS of volunteers! Schwartzenbeeren will self-seed itself incredibly well. This is a fruit you can plant and it will establish a patch for years to come.

Thrives anywhere in the US and Canada.

If you have any questions feel free to ask

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