How to Grow Boysenberry in Australia
A cool-season fruit for the long-term patch
Growing your own Boysenberry is one of the more satisfying things you can do in an Australian backyard. It is rated intermediate to grow. Saves ~$8-15/punnet on berries. Thornless varieties are easy and produce heavily for 10+ years.
This guide covers when to plant Boysenberry in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to plant it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Boysenberry is a cool-season crop, fully frost-hardy. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is best planted in May, June, July and August. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Varieties to Try
Thornless Boysenberry
Standard thornless form. Large dark berries, heavy cropper. Much easier to manage than thorned types.
Try: Daleys, Flemings, Bunnings (winter bare-root)
Mapua
New Zealand bred. Very large berries with excellent flavour. Thorned but heavy cropping.
Try: Daleys, Flemings, specialist berry nurseries
Position and Soil
Give Boysenberry full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 5.5 to 6.5. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 50cm+ with trellis, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Planting
Plant Boysenberry into a well-prepared hole the same depth as the rootball and twice as wide. Allow about 150 cm between plants (more for full-size trees) so each has room and airflow. Water in well, stake if needed, and keep the area weed-free while it establishes.
Cross between raspberry, blackberry and loganberry. Large, dark purple-black berries with intense sweet-tart flavour. Plant bare-root canes in winter (May-August). Train onto a trellis or wire support. Fruits on second-year canes. After fruiting, cut spent canes to ground and tie in new growth. Thornless varieties available and recommended for home gardens. Needs winter chill so best from Sydney south to Tasmania. Mulch well and keep roots cool.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 6 L per plant every 3 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Birds, Fruit fly and Spider mite. The main diseases to watch are Botrytis, Rust and Root rot. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Boysenberry is typically ready to harvest within roughly 12 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer). Fridge for 2-3 days. Freeze in a single layer for months. Make into jam for longer storage.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, boysenberry is good eaten fresh straight from the plant, made into jam, syrup and pie filling, baked into crumbles, pies and muffins and frozen for smoothies and baking. Nutritionally: very high in anthocyanins and antioxidants and rich in vitamins C and K.
Companion Planting
Boysenberry grows well alongside Tansy, Marigold and Garlic. Keep it away from Tomato, Potato and Eggplant. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Boysenberry Growing
Add boysenberry to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Boysenberry in Australia?
Boysenberry is a cool-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is best planted in May, June, July and August. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Boysenberry take to grow?
Boysenberry is generally ready to harvest within roughly 12 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer).
Can I grow Boysenberry in a pot?
Yes. Boysenberry grows well in a container of 50cm+ with trellis with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Boysenberry need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Boysenberry in the Plant Library
