Blackberry Lucky Berry - Rubus fruticosus

Blackberry 'Lucky Berry' is a dwarf and compact variety, capable of producing consistently for 4 months, from July to October. Blackberries are very healthy and juicy, with a high content of vitamins A and E, magnesium, and antioxidants. They are delicious to eat fresh or to cook with. Due to its small size, not exceeding 0.80 to 1 m, this fruit bush adapts to many uses in the garden. From June to September, its white flowers attract pollinating insects and provide a decorative touch. It can be maintained at the desired height as it tolerates pruning well. Well-drained soil, rich in humus and nutrients, and a sunny to semi-shaded location are the optimal conditions for good fruiting. Planting is recommended in autumn or spring in regions with cold or humid winters.

Rubus belongs to the rose family, it is native to the mountains of the Caucasus in Asia Minor. This genus has diversified over time and has given rise to several subgenera, including the raspberry (Rubus idaeus) and the common blackberry (Rubus fruticosus). This latter genus has many subspecies that differ in fruit size, colour, and acidity. In Europe and America, this berry has been consumed for about 2000 years. Rubus fruticosus is more commonly known as the blackberry or wild mulberry. It is a woody climbing vine that can measure 5 m wide or more, generally with thorny stems. It is present in many temperate regions of the world, where it is often considered an invasive plant.

Rubus fruticosus 'Lucky Berry' is part of a selection of very innovative fruit plants distributed under the Lucky Berry brand. It complements a range composed of a blueberry, a strawberry, a raspberry, and a fig tree. All have been selected for their long harvest periods with high yields of sweet and juicy fruits on compact vegetation suitable for pot cultivation, while also being resistant to winter and diseases. This variety of garden blackberry forms a very compact, bushy shrub reaching a height of 80 cm and a spread of 60 cm. The bright green foliage is deciduous, falling in autumn and composed of small, serrated leaves with visible veins, very similar to raspberry leaves. The stems are sparsely thorny, which makes picking easier. Fruiting occurs on the current year's branches, so it is important to renew them each year by pruning the plant to 15 cm above the ground. From the first year, from June to July, the abundant and nectar-rich flowering is composed of numerous small white, single, 1 to 2 cm diameter flowers, grouped in clusters. The fruits that form are composed of drupes clustered on the receptacle. They are quite large, red and then black and shiny when ripe. They should be picked when fully black when they are sweet and tangy, juicy and flavourful.

Harvesting of blackberries begins in July and continues until October, which offers the advantage of staggered harvesting. Blackberries are delicate fruits that need to be carefully picked, a light wash with water is possible, and they keep better in the refrigerator. Harvesting is easy, and it is very enjoyable to eat the fruits on the spot or pick them for various culinary uses: jellies, jams, sorbets, coulis, syrups, juices, tiramisu, crumbles, puddings... not to mention the famous blackberry pies... Low in calories, but rich in minerals (manganese, iron, potassium), vitamin C and K, fibre and antioxidants, blackberries contribute to a good nutritional balance.

Hardy down to -20°C and easy to grow, the Lucky Berry blackberry is happy with ordinary soil, with a preference for fertile, well-drained, moist soil, without excessive limestone. This short variety is perfect for balconies and terraces and can easily be grown in pots. Once established, it will quickly become a beautiful ornamental plant for your garden. In the ground, it can be associated with other fruit trees to create a small edible hedge. In this hedge, it can be planted alongside May berries (Lonicera kamchatka), raspberries, blueberries, garden blackberries, redcurrants, or blackcurrants. These plants are vigorous and undemanding, making them perfectly suited for a natural garden.