Keter Manor Outdoor Apex Double Door Garden Storage Shed (6 x 8ft)
A durable and stylish beige and brown garden storage shed perfect for storing garden tools, equipment, bikes, and outdoor essentials. Weather-resistant, low maintenance, and ideal for any garden or allotment setup.
Vegetable Plants & Seedlings
Browse Plants
All-Purpose Compost & Soil Improvers
View Compost
Plant Feed & Fertiliser for Strong Growth
Shop Fertiliser
? What Is a Loganberry? UK Grower’s Guide to This Raspberry-Blackberry Hybrid
? Introduction: Discover the Delicious Loganberry
If you’ve never tasted a loganberry, you’re in for a treat. A juicy, deep red-purple fruit that’s a cross between a raspberry and a blackberry, the loganberry offers the best of both worlds: tangy, sweet, and absolutely bursting with flavour.
Popular with home gardeners and allotment growers across the UK, loganberries are hardy, productive, and easy to grow—yet surprisingly underappreciated. Whether you’re thinking about growing them or just wondering how to use them, this comprehensive guide will show you everything you need to know about loganberries.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- What a loganberry is
- Where it comes from
- When and how to grow loganberries in the UK
- How to harvest, preserve, and use them
- FAQs about growing and enjoying this underrated berry
? What Is a Loganberry?
A loganberry is a naturally occurring hybrid between a raspberry (Rubus idaeus) and a blackberry (Rubus ursinus). It was first developed accidentally in California in the late 1800s by horticulturist James Logan—hence the name.
Botanical traits:
- Fruit shape: Long and conical, similar to a raspberry but darker in colour
- Colour: Deep crimson to purple
- Taste: Tangy like a raspberry, with the richness of a blackberry
- Seeds: Small and soft, edible like other bramble fruits
- Growth habit: Vigorous canes, thorny or thornless varieties available
? Are Loganberries Grown in the UK?
Yes! Loganberries grow exceptionally well in UK gardens and allotments, particularly in:
- Southern and central England
- Coastal areas with mild winters
- Well-drained, sunny plots
Their resilience to cold and wet conditions makes them ideal for British growers looking for an alternative to raspberries and blackberries.
? When Are Loganberries in Season in the UK?
| Phase | Month |
|---|---|
| Planting | Late autumn or early spring (Nov–Mar) |
| Fruiting | Mid-July to late August |
| Harvesting | Late July through September |
Loganberries fruit for several weeks, giving you a long, productive harvest window.
?️ How to Grow Loganberries in the UK
Growing loganberries is straightforward, making them a great option for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
? Position:
- Full sun is ideal (but partial shade also tolerated)
- Shelter from strong winds recommended
? Soil:
- Well-drained, fertile soil
- Add compost or manure before planting
- Neutral to slightly acidic pH
? Spacing:
- Plant 1.5–2m apart
- Train on a trellis, wires, or a wall
- Prune back dead canes in winter
?? Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Loganberries
- Choose a healthy bare-root or potted plant
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball
- Mix compost or rotted manure into the soil
- Plant with the crown just at soil level
- Water thoroughly and mulch
- Provide support using posts and wires
✂️ How to Prune Loganberries
Pruning is essential for healthy growth and maximum yields.
| Time | What to Prune |
|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Cut back all old canes that fruited last year |
| Summer | Tie in new canes as they grow |
Tip: Leave 5–7 strong canes per plant to fruit the following year.
? How to Harvest Loganberries
- Harvest from late July through September
- Berries are ripe when they are deep red and pull away easily
- Handle gently—they’re soft and bruise easily
- Pick every few days during peak season
Yield: A mature plant can produce 3–5kg of fruit per season.
❄️ Storing & Preserving Loganberries
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge (fresh) | 2–3 days | Eat quickly, very perishable |
| Freezer | Up to 12 months | Freeze on trays, then bag |
| Jam/Preserves | 12+ months | Excellent for jam making |
| Dehydrated | 6–8 months | Best used in baking or trail mix |
?️ What Can You Make with Loganberries?
Loganberries are incredibly versatile in the kitchen.
Sweet Recipes:
- Loganberry jam or jelly
- Crumble, cobbler, or pie
- Cheesecake or compote
- Muffins and cakes
- Ice cream or sorbet
Savoury Uses:
- Glaze for pork or duck
- Mixed into chutneys
- Served with cheese boards
? Are Loganberries Good for You?
Yes! Loganberries are high in:
- Vitamin C – Supports immune function
- Dietary fibre – Aids digestion
- Antioxidants – Fights inflammation and oxidative stress
Like other berries, they’re a low-calorie superfood when eaten fresh or lightly cooked.
? Can You Grow Loganberries in Pots?
Yes, with care.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Pot Size | Minimum 45cm wide |
| Soil | Rich compost and loam mix |
| Feeding | Monthly with balanced fertiliser |
| Watering | Regular—don’t let it dry out |
| Support | Small obelisk or bamboo canes |
Great for patios or small gardens!
? Top 10 FAQs About Loganberries
1. What do loganberries taste like?
A mix of raspberry and blackberry—tart, rich, and slightly floral.
2. Do loganberries have thorns?
Some varieties do, but thornless cultivars are available.
3. How are they different from tayberries?
Tayberries are also raspberry-blackberry hybrids but are longer, softer, and usually sweeter.
4. Are loganberries invasive?
Not typically, but they grow vigorously. Train and prune to prevent overgrowth.
5. Can I grow loganberries from seed?
Not reliably—use plants or cuttings for consistent results.
6. Do they need pollinators?
Loganberries are self-fertile but benefit from bees and other pollinators.
7. Can I grow them alongside raspberries or blackberries?
Yes, but give them space—logans can outcompete other canes.
8. When should I plant loganberries?
Autumn or early spring is best.
9. How tall do they grow?
Typically 2–2.5 metres with support.
10. Are loganberries good for children?
Yes—just mind the thorns if growing older varieties.
? The History of the Loganberry
The loganberry was discovered by James Harvey Logan, a horticulturist in California in the 1880s. An accidental hybrid between his raspberry and blackberry plants, it quickly became popular in the US and the UK for its hardiness and unique flavour.
Today, while not as commercialised as its parent fruits, it remains a firm favourite among home growers and artisan producers.
? Conclusion: Why Every UK Gardener Should Grow Loganberries
Loganberries might not be as famous as strawberries or raspberries, but they offer flavour, productivity, and variety that’s hard to beat. Whether you want to grow your own fruit, make homemade jam, or just try something different from the supermarket norm, loganberries deserve a place in your garden.
Easy to grow, rewarding to harvest, and delicious in everything from jam to dessert wine—they’re a berry worth knowing.