These plants ship November through May from Pense Berry Farms in Mountainburg, Arkansas. Orders placed between May 21 and October 31 ship in November and December. Online orders of products from Pense Berry Farms require a $150.00 minimum. For smaller orders, please contact us.
Minimum of 3 plants per order.
Bristol Black Raspberry (Rubus occidentalis 'Bristol')
Key Characteristics
Origin: 'Bristol' is a black raspberry cultivar (Rubus occidentalis) introduced in 1934 by the **New York State Agricultural Experiment Station** in Geneva, New York (Cornell AgriTech). It was one of the first improved black raspberry varieties released by a public breeding program in the US.
Patent Status: 'Bristol' Black Raspberry was released in 1934 by a public agricultural research institution. It is **not patented** and is considered a public domain variety. It can be freely propagated and distributed.
Berry Production: Produces medium-sized, glossy black, firm berries with a rich, sweet, and highly regarded classic black raspberry flavor. It is known for its early and abundant yields. The berries are easy to pick due to the plant's upright growth habit and cluster formation.
Ripening Time: Ripens in the **early to mid-summer**, typically ahead of other black raspberry varieties like 'Jewel', and often concurrent with wild black raspberries. It is a floricane-fruiting variety, meaning it produces fruit on second-year canes.
Plant Size and Appearance: 'Bristol' has a vigorous, upright, and somewhat bushy growth habit, typically reaching a mature height of 4 to 5 feet and a spread of 3 to 4 feet. The canes are thorny, characteristic of black raspberries. It does not typically require staking.
Flowers: Produces clusters of small, white, rose-like flowers in the spring (May), which precede the berries.
Hardiness: Generally hardy in USDA Zones **4 through 8**, making it a reliable choice for a wide range of climates.
Pollination: Black raspberries are self-fertile, and 'Bristol' does not require a pollinator to set fruit. However, cross-pollination with another black raspberry variety may potentially lead to slightly increased yields. Avoid planting red, gold, or purple raspberries within 75-100 feet of black raspberries due to potential virus transmission via aphids.
Growing Conditions:
Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight) for optimal fruit production and flavor.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. It thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Good drainage is crucial to prevent root problems.
Watering: Needs consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruit development. Water deeply and regularly, particularly during dry periods.
Fertilizing: Benefits from a balanced fertilizer applied in early spring. Avoid excessive nitrogen.
Pruning: Requires annual pruning. After the summer harvest, the floricanes (canes that produced fruit) should be cut back to ground level and removed. New primocanes (first-year canes) should be tipped (cut back a few inches at about 24 inches tall) during the growing season to encourage lateral branching and increased fruiting surface for the following year. Thin out weak or overcrowded primocanes in late winter or early spring, leaving about 4-5 strong canes per plant.
Uses: The flavorful berries are excellent for:
Fresh eating
Freezing
Making jams, jellies, and preserves (it's a favorite for black raspberry jelly)
Baking in pies and desserts
Wildlife Value: The flowers attract pollinators, and the berries are a food source for birds and other wildlife.
Ornamental Value: While primarily grown for fruit, the white spring blossoms and the attractive black berries can add some ornamental interest to the garden. Its upright habit makes it relatively easy to manage.
Disease and Pest Resistance: 'Bristol' is considered moderately hardy and shows tolerance to powdery mildew. However, it can be susceptible to other fungal diseases and pests common to raspberries. Good air circulation and proper pruning can help minimize these issues. It is reportedly susceptible to bushy dwarf virus and resistant to raspberry mosaic virus.
