Description
Velma Black Raspberry
- Hardiness: USDA Zone 3
- Size at Maturity: 10 feet tall and wide
- Edible
- Self-Fertile
- Locally Sourced Cuttings
Rubus occidentalis. var Velma
The Velma Black Raspberry was spotted growing in the south-facing front yard in a mature Edmonton neighbourhood. Named after the homeowner who has been growing it for more than three decades, Velma is a tough plant.
The Velma Black Raspberry is very similar in appearance and growth habit to a blackberry bush. In fact, I initially misidentified the plant as blackberry until doing some further reading. Like a blackberry, the Velma Black Raspberry produces long thorn-covered canes that, when left on their own, touch the ground and root.
Growing Black Raspberries
For best results, grow black raspberries against a supporting structure and remove all but three to five healthy, young canes each spring. Strong shoots will grow branches with an abundance of sweet, tart, black raspberries.
