10 Best Berries To Plant In Winter

Planting and Care

To get started with growing berries, begin by purchasing bare-root plants or asking your local nursery to order one from a grower if the variety you’re interested in isn’t available. Once you have your plants, store them in moist newspaper until you’re ready to plant, making sure to submerge their roots in water the night before planting.

When it’s time to put them in the ground, amend the soil with compost and create a planting hole that allows the roots to spread out evenly – be mindful of the recommended spacing for your specific variety, as overcrowding can negatively impact growth. Finally, provide your berries with some afternoon shade and consistent watering.

‘Raspberry Shortcake’ Raspberry

This compact variety of plant boasts a modest size, reaching only 12 to 24 inches in height and width. Its contained growth means it can flourish in a large pot without the need for trellising or other support structures.

‘Mara des Bois’ Strawberry

Lauren Dunec, our Test Garden design assistant, describes the flavor profile of this variety as ‘the essence of a strawberry’, echoing the sentiments of many who have savored its sweetness. In fact, this particular strawberry is a crowd-pleaser at Berkeley’s esteemed Chez Panisse restaurant.

‘Apache’ Thornless Blackberry

As the summer season arrives, these robust plants grow to be around 6-8 feet tall, producing bountiful harvests. One notable characteristic is the absence of thorns on their sturdy upright canes. To support their growth, it’s essential to provide them with stakes spaced about 4 feet apart, allowing for optimal training and development.

‘Sequoia’ Strawberry

The sweet and tangy flavor of these large, vibrant red berries, characteristic of June-bearing varieties, far surpasses what’s commonly found in grocery stores. This delightful treat is a product of the expertise of David Fenton.

‘Seascape’ Strawberry

This strawberry variety boasts a unique characteristic – it bears fruit consistently throughout the summer months, yielding large and juicy berries. What’s more, it thrives in coastal environments, making it an excellent choice for gardeners residing near the ocean. As with most strawberry varieties, this one can be planted directly into the ground or cultivated in containers, allowing for flexibility and adaptability to different growing conditions.

‘Indian Summer’ Raspberry

Raspberry plants can grow quite tall, reaching heights of around 5-6 feet and spreading up to 6-8 feet wide. To maintain their shape and promote healthy growth, it’s recommended to provide a trellis or support system. One of the key benefits of growing raspberries is that they produce multiple harvests throughout the year, including both spring and fall crops. This makes them an excellent choice for gardeners looking to enjoy fresh berries for longer periods.

‘Bountiful Blue’ Blueberry

In smaller gardens, the compact nature of this plant (measuring just 3 to 4 feet in height and width) makes it an excellent choice. Not only does it produce a bountiful harvest of sweet berries, but its ornamental foliage also adds visual interest to the garden. As for its credentials, David Fenton is the creator behind this impressive compact plant.

‘Jelly Bean’ Blueberry

With its rounded shape, this plant is a stunning addition to any pot. In fact, Dunec likens it to a well-manicured boxwood – a testament to its tidy appearance. As for its fruit, it ripens throughout early to midsummer, offering a delightful burst of color and flavor.

Musk Variety Strawberry

For those seeking to indulge in the delicate flavor and intoxicating aroma of these rare berries, a more rewarding approach lies in cultivating them oneself. This is because plants of this variety propagate through runners, making it feasible to grow them in one’s own garden or even indoor space.

‘Golden Alexandria’ Alpine Strawberry

These everbearing plants are a treat, producing small but vibrant red berries throughout the entire summer season. The lime green foliage adds a pop of color to shaded areas, making them an attractive addition to any bed or garden.