Blackberries and raspberries are berry bushes that summer residents enjoy growing in garden plots. Plants are similar - so many people think. To some extent, this statement is true. However, despite the deceptive external similarity, cultures have a number of significant differences.
An unenlightened layman will say that the main difference between crops lies in the difference in color of ripe berries. Yes, in most cases it is. However, experienced gardeners know that there are varieties of black raspberries. At the same time, both in shape and size, the fruits of both plants can be similar to each other.
History of the origin of plants
America is the home of the blackberry. But the country where raspberries come from is Asia.
Today blackberries are mainly cultivated on the American continent. There, its cultivation is at an industrial level. But in European countries, the cultivation of blackberries is less common.
On the contrary, raspberries are cultivated in European countries.
Similarities and main differences between shrubs
The plants are related and belong to the same Rosaceae family. Both shrubs are one or biennial. They have a developed underground part and leaves similar in shape and size.
REFERENCE. Blackberries, unlike raspberries, do not shed their leaves before winter.
Blackberries are characterized by the presence of creeping green stems covered with large thorns. Shoots can be up to 3-4 meters long. Bushes are powerful and large. They have a greater number of shoots closely spaced to each other. The root system of the plant is stronger, more deeply located than the root system of the raspberry. That is why blackberries are more drought-resistant, and hot climates are great for cultivating them.
Raspberry stems are erect, covered with a bluish bloom. The height of the shoots is about 1.5-2 meters. The spines on the stem are abundantly located. They are small in size, thinner and more tender than the thorns on the stems of blackberries.
The fruits of both plants are complex drupes. Features characteristic of blackberry berries: dense white core, difficulty in plucking from the receptacle. But the raspberries are hollow inside, they easily break off the bush.
ATTENTION. Ripe blackberries are dense. They are resistant to transportation and storage.
The period of flowering and ripening of berries
The flowering periods and ripening periods of the berries of these plants are different. Raspberries begin flowering and fruiting earlier. The crop is harvested in large quantities at the end of June - July.
Blackberries bloom 15-25 days later and therefore ripen later. You can eat them no earlier than the beginning of August. Late flowering has its pros and cons. The shrub is rarely at risk of recurrent frost, a frequent occurrence in late spring. At the same time, in the presence of bad weather conditions in August, there is a threat that the berries will not have time to ripen.
Requirements for external influences
The requirements for external influences and growing conditions for crops differ. Blackberries are more drought-resistant, less demanding on the illumination of the site. For planting it, you should choose beds that are protected from strong gusts of wind. Blackberry bushes do not tolerate negative winter temperatures well, therefore they need a thorough winter shelter.
REFERENCE. The shrub tolerates shading normally, but with a lack of sunlight, the ripening of blackberry berries begins later than usual.
Raspberries are demanding on the degree of illumination - for planting shrubs, you should choose sunny areas of the site. The plant is more adapted to growing in windy places. Unlike blackberries, raspberries are a more frost-resistant crop and can withstand a drop in air temperature to minus 20-25 degrees.
Now that you have learned about the main differences between blackberries and raspberries, you have familiarized yourself with the developmental features and requirements for external conditions of these crops, it will be easier for you to understand which shrub is more suitable for growing on your plot.
Read also: To help beginner gardeners: common mistakes when pruning grapes
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