Fresh & Flavorful!

Growing up, one of my favorite summer activities was going berry picking. Not only did you get the freshest fruit, but it always seemed to taste better after putting in some work. Now, you can bring a similar experience to your backyard with small fruit-bearing shrubs from our Flavor Fest® program.

In April, I discussed Splendid!® Blue blueberry, and today, I am excited to turn the spotlight on Taste of Heaven® thornless blackberry (Rubus). Introduced to garden centers this year, this variety produces the most deliciously sweet fruit that will completely change how you enjoy blackberries.

Taste of Heaven® blackberry is a floricane variety, which means that it produces its fruit on second-year canes. Once mature, its blackberries are large and consistently sweet, with a rich, full flavor that is delightful on its own or mixed into salads, jams, pies, or more.

While its fruit production is the highlight, its appearance is also quite attractive. Growing in an upright habit, it reaches a height of 3-5′ and a width of 2-3′. Its visual appeal is supported by handsome green foliage and delicate white flowers that give way to ripe blackberries during the summer.

Growing Taste of Heaven® Blackberry

When it comes to growing your own fruit, the task can seem a bit daunting, but with Taste of Heaven® blackberry, it is pretty straightforward. Suited to USDA zones 5b-9, this easy-to-grow plant needs full sun and rich, well-drained soil to produce its best berries. Its sturdy, thornless canes don’t require staking, and because it is self-fruiting, you don’t need to worry about planting another variety for pollination.

Pruning, on the other hand, is a bit more involved, with this plant requiring a prune three times a year: mid-late summer, late winter/early spring, and late spring/early summer. The process itself is quite simple, which you can read about in the “How To Grow” section on the product page linked above.