Encore Raspberry vs Illini Hardy Blackberry

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.

Encore Raspberry ripens late season and features nearly spineless branches for easier picking. Its smaller, red berries are sweet and perfect for homemade jams, preserves, or eating straight off the plant.

Encore Raspberry is a floricane raspberry variety, meaning it only produces berries on second-year canes. Cut back dead two-year-old canes as needed, leaving last year's growth.

Compare Illini Hardy Blackberry with

Compare Encore Raspberry with