The standard of excellence in blackberries. Productive, large, delicious fruit on vigorous trailing, thorny canes - up to 20'. Flavor is earthy, rich and complex. Marionberry is especially well adapted to Western Washington and Oregon but may not do well elsewhere. Resistant to a new strain of blackberry rust, spreading in the Northwest. Photo courtesy of Oregon Raspberry & Blackberry Commission.
ZONE: 6-9
POLLINATION/BLOOM TIME: Spring.
RECOMMENDED GROWING AND CARE:
Full to 3/4 sun, balanced and regular moisture (especially in early 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 after fruiting in fall. In late spring, thin new canes to 6-8 thickest per crown.
CHILL HOURS: Low: 400 hours below 45F
DISEASE RESISTANCE: Very good. Resistant to a new strain of blackberry rust spreading in the Northwest. Cane borers and crown borers are potential insect pests.
SIZE AT MATURITY: To 20' x 4-6'; floricanes are trailing and need support.
