How To Plant Soft Fruit
Important - I'm Not Dead or Dying!
Stock bought in late summer will often have tatty or discoloured leaves while that bought in autumn will often have leaves still hanging on, only for them to fall off later. This is nothing to worry about as all deciduous plants tend to look a little the worse for wear in late summer, and naturally shed their leaves in autumn.
Unpacking/Pre-Planting Care
When your fruit bush arrives, if it is a bare root plant, unpack the roots from their polythene and mulch packing; if they are dry stand in a bucket of water for no more than half an hour.
If the fruit bush is pot-grown simply remove the covering polythene bag and ensure the compost is moist.
Prior to dispatch, all field-grown (bare root) plants are root-pruned to encourage fibrous root growth so there should be no need for you to prune them further.
What If I Can't Plant Fruit Bushes Immediately?
Ideally, your fruit bush should be planted out as soon as possible. If this is not possible – i.e. if the ground is frozen or too wet to dig – ‘heel’ the plant into a shallow trench or else wrap the roots up in the bark chip and polythene they were originally packed in and store in a cool, frost-free place. Do not keep in a warm place as this will encourage premature growth. Every few days check that the roots are still moist, and plant out as soon as is practicable.
Container Growing
All our stock is suitable for growing in patio tubs or containers as well as for planting outside in open ground. Container growing will prove particularly beneficial for lime-hating plants such as Bilberry, Blueberry, Cranberry and Mountain Cranberry that need an ericaceous soil or compost.
If you are planting in a patio tub or container try to use one at least 18" (45 cm) in diameter for larger subjects such as Currants, Gooseberries or Blueberries, or 8" (20 cm) in diameter for smaller subjects like Bilberry or Mountain Cranberry. A fruit bush loaded with foliage and fruit, in a small container, can easily become top heavy in high winds. The ideal container for a patio is either one made of plastic or concrete, or a wooden tub or half-barrel.
If your garden soil is not too heavy, this will be fine for filling the container and planting into; alternatively, we would suggest using John Innes compost No.2 or No.3. Lime-hating plants will, of course, need an ericaceous soil or compost!
We also recommend putting a little brick mortar rubble or coarse gravel in the bottom of the container, to cover the drainage holes and to stop the soil falling through.
Planting Out
As with many things in life, remember that a little extra care and time taken with planting your soft fruit will pay dividends for many years to come!
Dig a hole approximately double the width and double the depth of the size of the plant’s roots, root ball, or the container it was grown in. Now fork over the sides and bottom of the hole to loosen up the surrounding soil before refilling to bring the soil level up to the correct planting depth for your plant; you can refill with either the soil you originally dug out or, ideally, with a mixture of that soil and 25% organic matter such as well-rotted manure (not fresh), leaf mould or compost, to give your plant the best start.
Position the plant in the hole, ensuring its final planting depth is the same or only slightly deeper than it was previously grown at (indicated by the soil or compost mark on the stem). Now refill, either with the previously removed garden soil or your soil/compost mixture. Firm in and water well – even if the soil appears wet.
Under no circumstances should you use any stimulants, fertiliser or bonemeal at planting time as these products will ‘burn’ any new root growth and actually slow your plant’s development!
Aftercare
In the first growing season after planting it is vital to ensure your plant is adequately watered – and this is even more critical in extended dry periods or drought. When watering any newly planted stock 'a bucket a week' is preferable to 'a teacup a day' and will encourage a good, deep root system.
Always keep the area around the base of your plant free from weeds and grass which would otherwise compete for moisture and nutrients.
To further aid moisture retention it is a good idea to mulch round your newly planted stock with chipped bark, well-rotted manure or similar; this will also help with suppressing weed growth.
Pruning and Training
Many, many books have been written on soft fruit pruning and training – a subject we cannot discuss in detail in these guidance notes; for advice on training and pruning we would recommend Grow Fruit by Alan Buckingham (DK Publishing).
Some Additional Notes On Specific Varieties...
Blackberries and Hybrid Berries
Blackberries are tolerant of most soils so long as they are free-draining but hybrid berries require a deep rich soil with plenty of compost and humus incorporated. Plant approximately 8 feet apart. They need strong supports and a wire system like raspberries, or can be grown against a fence or wall of a house, again using strong galvanized horizontal wires for support. Prune once a year after harvesting fruit, to clear out old canes that are no longer productive.
Bilberry, Blueberry, Cranberry and Mountain Cranberry
Plant 3-4 feet apart. Very little care and attention is needed. They require an acid soil, which can be encouraged by digging in peat, rotted oak leaves or your spent tea bags and coffee grounds. Chose an open, sunny situation. Simply trim to shape after fruit has been harvested.
Currants, Jostaberries and Fourberries
Plant 5 feet apart. Plants can be allowed to grow for 2-3 years with minimal pruning. After this thin out shoots to prevent overcrowding and allow good air-flow to prevent fungal problems.
Gooseberries
Gooseberries are fairly tolerant and don't mind a slightly alkaline soil, but prefer slight acid soil with a pH of 6-6.5. They dislike being waterlogged and grow better in well-drained soil to which well-rotted manure or compost has been added. Plant about 4 feet apart. Hard pruning annually each autumn will produce strong fruiting wood as well as encouraging an open structure to the bush, letting in air and light.
Honeyberry
The Honeyberry is perfectly happy in normal soil and grows into a shrubby bush around 3-6 ft (1-2 m) tall, with similar spread. It needs little attention in the first few years. In later years prune shortly after harvesting the fruit, removing all dead, damaged or weak growth and thinning out a third of the remaining shoots to encourage fresh basal growth. Honeyberries are not fully self fertile so growing several will improve fruit setting. Tip pruning in spring will encourage more flowers and thus more fruit.
Japanese Wineberry
In our experience these are best planted against a fence or sunny wall. Plant about 5ft apart and provide canes or wires for vertical support. Simply prune or trim to shape as required after all fruit has been picked.
Kiwi Fruit
Kiwi Fruits prefer a position in full sun – the more you can give them the better. They like a good rich soil, with plenty of well-rotted compost They will grow in alkali soils but prefer a 'just' acid soil (pH 5-6.5). A moist soil is essential, but Kiwi Fruits do not like to be waterlogged so avoid heavy or poorly drained soils. Water well after planting then leave for two weeks before checking whether the plant needs more. Growth can be rapid even in the first year so ensure you are well prepared, with suitable supports such as trellis or horizontal wires at 12" (30 cm) spacings. If planting more than one Kiwi Fruit, allow a spacing of 16-20 ft (6.1 m) between plants.
Kiwi Fruits can grow to about 12 ft (3.65 m) (28 ft [9 m] in the case of Jenny) but can be controlled through pruning. Pinch out growing tips in summer. Prune in February, removing one or two of the oldest canes and training in younger canes. Dress with well-rotted compost and organic fertiliser in April. Plants are hardy through most winters and even if 'knocked back' (even to the ground) will grow away well the following spring.
46 ResultsBlackberry Plant 'Black Satin' (Thornless)
Thornless Blackberry. Juicy black rounded fruits from early August. Heavy cropping. Vigorous and very reliable. Self Fertile.
Available Now
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall including pot.
Blackberry Plant 'Loch Ness' (Thornless)
Thornless Blackberry. Compact and erect growing. Produces large fruits late in the Season. Perfect for the smaller garden. Self Fertile.
Available Now
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall including pot.
Blackberry Plant 'Oregon Thornless'
Thornless Blackberry. Highly ornamental foliage and attractive autumn colour. Produces heavy crops of rounded black fruits that are lovely and juicy. Semi-Evergreen. Self Fertile.
Available Now
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 1 foot (30 cm) tall including pot.
Blackcurrant Bush 'Ben Lomond'
Heavy crops of glossy black fruits. A reliable and strong growing variety that fruits fairly late in the Season. Rarely damaged by frost. Self Fertile.
Available Now
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall including pot.
Blackcurrant Bush 'Ebony'
The sweetest blackcurrant of all! Can be eaten from the plant without the need for sugar. Very early cropping and large fruits. Self Fertile.
Available Now
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall including pot.
Blueberry Bush 'Bluecrop'
Very vigorous habit and high yielding. Excellent resistance to Spring frosts as well as Summer droughts. Harvest late July / August. Self Fertile.
Available Now
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall including pot.
Blueberry Bush 'Goldtraube'
Fruits early July onwards. Heavy cropping and very reliable. Large blue fruits are packed full of flavour. Puts on an excellent Autumn leaf colour display.
Available Now
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall including pot.
Blueberry Bush 'Hortblue Petite'
Self fertile. Fruits twice a year with delicious blueberries, so worthwhile growing. A compact variety that produces large dark fruit.
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Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall including pot.
Blueberry Bush 'Jersey'
One of the oldest and most trusted varieties of blueberry. Heavy crops of medium sized dark blue berries late July / August. Particularly good for cooler regions.
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Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall including pot.
Boysenberry
A cross between a Loganberry and Blackberry. Large juicy black fruits taste like a sweet blackberry. Very strong and vigorous habit. Self Fertile.
Available Now
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall including pot.
Cranberry 'Early Black'
A popular American variety of Cranberry. Produces large juicy red-purple fruits from late August. Possibly the earliest fruiting variety. Self Fertile.
Available Now
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 18" (45 cm) tall (including pot).
Gooseberry Bush 'Captivator'
Sweet red berries, this virtually thornless variety is extremely hardy, bred in Canada and well worth growing.
Available Now
Supplied as a containerised plant approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall including pot.
Gooseberry Bush 'Hinnonmaki Red'
Eating / Cooking Gooseberry. Bright red berries are sweet and aromatic. Mildew resistant. Self Fertile. Mildew resistant.
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Supplied as a containerised plant approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall including pot.
Gooseberry Bush 'Hinnonmaki Yellow'
Eating / Cooking Gooseberry. Sweet and aromatic golden yellow fruits. Excellent Winter hardiness. Mildew resistant. Self Fertile.
Available Now
Supplied as a containerised plant approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall including pot.
Gooseberry Bush 'Invicta'
Eating / Cooking Gooseberry. Large yellow-green fruits have a really good flavour. Vigorous and reliable with good disease resistance. Self Fertile.
Available Now
Supplied as a containerised plant approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall including pot.
Honeyberry
Purported to contain 5 times more antioxidants than Blueberries. Purple-blue berries are formed early to mid Summer. Drought resistant and extremely hardy.
Available Now
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall including pot.
Japanese Wineberry
Unbelievably sweet orange-red to dark red berries of delicious flavour. Vigorous and upright habit. Self Fertile.
Available Now
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall including pot.
Jostaberry Bush
A hybrid cross of a Gooseberry and a Blackcurrant. Purple black fruits can be cooked or eaten raw when fully ripe. Excellent pest and disease resistance. Self Fertile.
Available Now
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall including pot.
Kiwi 'Atlas'
Male variety that can pollinate up to 8 females. A climber with pretty creamy/white flower with red/brown stems and green heart shaped leaves.
Available Now
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 1 - 2 feet (30 - 60 cm) tall including pot.
Kiwi 'Hayward'
Female variety that produces hairy brown kiwi fruits with a green inner. A lovely climber clusters of creamy/white flowers with green heart shaped leaves.
Available Now
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 1 - 2 feet (30 - 60 cm) tall including pot.
Kiwi 'Issai'
Baby Kiwi / Hardy Kiwi. Smooth, thin skinned, green fruits dotted white. Has a huge cropping potential with 1000 fruits in a year not unusual. Self Fertile.
Available Now
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately1 - 2 feet (30 - 60 cm) tall including pot.
Kiwi 'Jenny'
Hen egg sized fruits are produced in abundance. A very vigorous climber with attractive stems and large green leaves. Self Fertile.
Available Now
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 1 - 2 feet (30 - 60 cm) tall including pot.
Kiwi 'Jumbo'
Baby Kiwi / Hardy Kiwi. The largest fruiting variety of all the Baby Kiwis. Produces oblong, juicy, yellow green fruits in late September. Female (requires a male pollinator).
Available Now
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall including pot.
Kiwi 'Ken's Red'
Baby Kiwi / Hardy Kiwi. Large red skinned fruits have juicy red flesh making this variety of Baby Kiwi stand out from the rest of the crowd. Female.
Available Now
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall including pot.
Kiwi 'Weiki'
Baby Kiwi / Hardy Kiwi. An excellent pollinator for female Baby Kiwis, with the added benefit of being extremely ornamental in its own right. Male.
Available Now
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall including pot.
Loganberry 'Ly 654'
Cross between a Raspberry and Blackberry. The thornless clone of the best known of the hybrid berries. Delicious cone-shaped berries have a pleasant sharpness.
Available Now
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall including pot.
Mountain Cranberry
Also known as Lingonberry or Cowberry. Masses of tiny red berries are produced twice a year. Low spreading habit. Evergreen. Very hardy. Self Fertile.
Available Now
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 8" (20 cm) tall (including pot).
Sloe Bush
Sometimes known as Blackthorn. Clouds of white flowers are followed by the astringent blue-black fruits. Ideal for jams, jellies - and of course sloe gin.
Available Now
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall including pot.
Strawberry 'Rambling Cascade' Hanging Basket Kit
A complete kit to produce a hanging basket that will literally drip with strawberries! Runners from the plants can hang down as far as 6 feet (1.8 metres). Self-fertile.
Available Now
Supplied as a complete kit consisting of the moss-covered ball-shaped basket pre-filled with our own mixed growing medium and 13 young plants of our fabulous Rambling Cascade Strawberries.
Tumbleberries
Delicate sized woodland strawberries have a lovely sweet flavour all to their own. Perpetual fruiting, these bear good yields over a long period. Self fertile.
Available Now
Supplied as compost block grown plants approximately 5" (13 cm) tall.
Bilberry Plant
Slated to be the next 'new' super fruit. A popular fruit amongst foragers. Closely related to the Blueberry though the fruits are smaller. Self fertile.
Available from APPROXIMATELY late November / early December
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 6" (15 cm) tall including pot.
Blackberry Plant 'Black Butte'
Should perhaps have been called Black Brute due to the exceptional size of the blackberries it produces! Good for eating and cooking. Self Fertile.
Available from APPROXIMATELY November
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 12" (30 cm) tall including pot.
Blackberry Plant 'Karaka Black'
A fairly new blackberry variety from New Zealand. Exceptionally long and large shiny black fruits are really flavoursome. Self Fertile.
Available from APPROXIMATELY November
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 12" (30 cm) tall including pot.
Gooseberry Bush 'Pax'
A virtually thornless, vigorous growing gooseberry with amazing red fruit that is so sweet you can eat it straight from the bush! Can be trained if you wish.
Available from APPROXIMATELY November
Supplied as a bare root plant approximately 12" - 18" (30 - 45 cm) tall including roots.
Red Currant Bush 'Rondom'
A very prolific variety of red currant. Produces long strigs of pale red berries that have an exceptional flavour and pleasantly firm texture. Self fertile.
Available from APPROXIMATELY late November / early December
Supplied as a bare root plant approximately 12" - 18" (30 - 45 cm) tall including roots.
Red Currant Bush 'Rovada'
A late fruiting red currant. Produces outstanding crops of large bright red berries on long strings. Superb flavour. Self fertile.
Available from APPROXIMATELY November
Supplied as a bare root plant approximately 12" - 18" (30 - 45 cm) tall including roots.
Soft Fruit Plant Collection
A yummy collection of easy soft fruit that makes an ideal starter pack for the would be fruit grower. All are easy to grow. An ideal combination for those wanting to make pies, puddings and jams - or just eating!
Available from APPROXIMATELY late November / early December
Supplied as bare root canes and pot grown plants.
Tayberry
A cross between a Blackberry and a Raspberry. Consistently produces heavy crops of dark red juicy fruits. Copes well with colder climates. Self fertile.
Available from APPROXIMATELY late November / early December
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall including pot.
Tayberry 'Buckingham' (Thornless)
The most exciting new hybrid berry for many years - a tayberry without spines! Large purple red fruits have a pleasantly sharp flavour. Excellent cold tolerance. Self fertile.
Available from APPROXIMATELY late November / early December
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall including pot.
The Lazy Foragers Plant Collection
Can't be bothered to go out foraging? A collection of 6 different fruit and nut plants that are traditionally foraged for - that you can grow in the comfort of your own garden!
Available from APPROXIMATELY late November / early December
Supplied as pot grown and / or bare root plants (subject to time of year).
Thornless Berry Plant Collection
No prickles or thorns make this combination of berries easy to pick! All are easy to grow. An ideal combination for puddings, jams - or jellies.
Available from APPROXIMATELY late November / early December
Supplied as pot grown and / or bare root plants (subject to time of year).
Traffic Light Gooseberry Plant Collection
As the name suggests, a selection of Gooseberry plants that will fruit in all the colours of traffic lights (well nearly!). All three varieties are reliable croppers and have good disease resistance. Self fertile.
Available from APPROXIMATELY late November / early December
Supplied as pot grown and / or bare root plants (subject to time of year).
Tummelberry
A fairly new hybrid berry. Produces large rounded fruits with a bright red colour and superb flavour. Heavy cropping and excellent winter hardiness. Self fertile.
Available from APPROXIMATELY November
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall including pot.
White Currant Bush 'White Pearl'
Excellent flavour and heavy cropping. Pale yellow fruits are firm and juicy and sweet enough to eat raw when fully ripe. Self fertile.
Available from APPROXIMATELY late November / early December
Supplied as a bare root plant approximately 12" - 18" (30 - 45 cm) tall including roots.
White Currant Bush 'Blanka'
Self fertile. This white currant is thought to be the highest yielding of all white currants with good flavour, large berries and long strings. Fruits freeze well.
Available from APPROXIMATELY November
Supplied as a bare root plant approximately 12" - 18" (30 - 45 cm) tall including roots.
Gooseberry Bush 'Xenia'
Sweet red gooseberry that is virtually thornless. Produces a lovely upright bush shape and is high yielding with good mildew reistance.
Currently Not Available To Purchase - Available from - SOLD OUT UNTIL NEXT YEAR - 2025
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 12" - 18" (30 - 45 cm) tall including pot.