Prelude Raspberry vs Illini Hardy Blackberry - TreeTime.ca

Prelude Raspberry vs Illini Hardy Blackberry

Rubus fruticosus Illini Hardy

Rubus x Prelude

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Illini Hardy Blackberry
Prelude Raspberry

The Illini Hardy Blackberry was developed in Illinois for northern growers, and produces a large, juicy blackberry with medium-sweet flavor. The berries are ready for harvest in midsummer, and go great in preserves.

The Illini Hardy Blackberry, or the Illinois Blackberry, are floricanes, primarily fruiting on second year canes. Each spring cut back all two-year old canes, leaving only the last year’s growth. This is a self-pollinating variety, so it doesn’t require a second plant nearby to set fruit.

Prelude Raspberry is one of the earliest ripening raspberries. As early as June you can expect red berries that are delectably sweet and perfect for fresh eating, baking, and preserves. It is disease resistant, cold hardy, and vigorous in nature. Expect raspberries one year after planting.

The Prelude Raspberry is a fast-growing floricane. This means that raspberries will not grow on canes the year they first grow. The mature canes they do grow on, however, produce more berries than primocane varieties.

Illini Hardy Blackberry Quick Facts

Prelude Raspberry Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 4a
Height: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Height: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: high
Suckering: low
Maintenance: medium
Maintenance: high


Berries: black
Flavor: medium
Harvest: July
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: illinois blackberry