This purplish-black raspberry has fruit that is large, firm, very sweet and flavorful on canes that are vigorous but don't tend to spread. Royalty Purple is a cross between a red and black raspberry.
ZONE: 4-8
POLLINATION/BLOOM TIME: Spring
RECOMMENDED GROWING AND CARE:
Full ¾ sun, balanced and regular moisture (especially in summer), acid to neutral soils. Reduce grass competition in root zone by applying 2-3” layer of wood chips. Apply aged manure under chips yearly. Cut out dead canes in late fall after fruiting. In late spring, thin new canes to 6-8 thickest per crown, and trim them to 4-5’ or tie them to trellis. Canes are tall, vigorous, and thorny.
CHILL HOURS: Low: 200-300 hours below 45F
DISEASE RESISTANCE: Good. Royalty is immune to the large raspberry aphid, which decreases the probability of mosaic virus infection, but is susceptible to crown gall. In general, black raspberries are susceptible to mosaic virus (transmitted by aphids), which red raspberries can carry but not show signs of. Plant your black raspberries in an isolated location if you can.
SIZE AT MATURITY: n/a
