Prelude Raspberry vs Black Raspberry - TreeTime.ca

Prelude Raspberry vs Black Raspberry

Rubus occidentalis

Rubus x Prelude

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Black Raspberry
Prelude Raspberry

The Black Raspberry is a multi-stemmed shrub that produces edible red berries that deepen to black as they mature. The berries are flavorful and are great for fresh eating and preserves. Black Raspberry shrubs bloom in late spring with white, rose-like flowers and attract many pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Black Raspberries are floricanes primarily fruiting on second year canes. Each spring cut back all two-year old canes, leaving only the last year’s growth.

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.

Black Raspberry Quick Facts

Prelude Raspberry Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 4a
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Height: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Light: any
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: red to black
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC, NB
Other Names: bears eye blackberry, black cap, scotch cap