Top 20 Loganberry Varieties to Grow: Tips and Advice for a Successful Harvest

Loganberries are a unique hybrid berry, resulting from a cross between a blackberry and a raspberry. Known for their deep red color and sweet-tart flavor, loganberries are perfect for jams, jellies, pies, and fresh eating. Loganberries are vigorous growers and produce an abundant harvest once established. This guide will introduce you to the top 20 loganberry varieties to grow and provide essential tips to ensure a healthy and productive crop.

1. Thornless Loganberry

Thornless Loganberries are the most popular variety, prized for their sweet-tart flavor and lack of thorns, making harvesting much easier.

Tip: Plant Thornless Loganberries in full sun with well-drained soil. Provide regular watering during the fruiting season to encourage juicy berries.

2. American Thorny Loganberry

The American Thorny Loganberry has larger fruit and a more tart flavor compared to the thornless variety. Its thorns can make harvesting more challenging, but the flavor is worth the effort.

Tip: Regular pruning is essential to keep thorny canes manageable and to improve airflow, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

3. LY 59 Thornless

LY 59 is a thornless variety known for its sweet, juicy fruit and high yields. It’s excellent for both fresh eating and preserving.

Tip: Train the vines on a trellis or support system to keep the canes off the ground and make harvesting easier.

4. Logan Giant

Logan Giant is a vigorous-growing variety with large, sweet-tart berries that are perfect for making preserves, pies, and fresh eating.

Tip: Thin the fruit early in the season to promote larger, more flavorful berries and reduce the strain on the plant.

5. Youngberry (Loganberry Hybrid)

Youngberries are a cross between loganberries and another berry variety. They produce smaller, sweeter berries with fewer seeds than traditional loganberries.

Tip: Water consistently during the growing season and mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture.

6. Boysenberry (Loganberry Hybrid)

Boysenberries, another loganberry hybrid, offer larger, juicier berries with a more pronounced sweet-tart flavor. They’re ideal for fresh eating and making preserves.

Tip: Boysenberries need a sturdy trellis for support, as the canes can become heavy when laden with fruit.

7. Logan Supreme

Logan Supreme is a high-yielding variety with large, flavorful berries that are ideal for pies, jellies, and fresh eating.

Tip: Regular pruning after fruiting encourages new growth and ensures a healthier plant the following year.

8. Rubus Loganobaccus

Rubus Loganobaccus is a traditional loganberry variety known for its sweet, tangy fruit and vigorous growth.

Tip: Provide a trellis for support and prune the canes after harvest to promote new growth and a better yield the following season.

9. Loganberry Royal

Loganberry Royal is known for its deep red fruit with an intense, sweet flavor. It’s ideal for making wine, preserves, and fresh eating.

Tip: Ensure regular watering during dry spells, especially when the fruit is forming, to produce larger, juicier berries.

10. Logan King

Logan King produces larger berries than most other varieties, with a more delicate, sweet flavor. It’s great for fresh eating and desserts.

Tip: Thin the canes during the growing season to prevent overcrowding and improve fruit quality.

11. Wyeberry (Loganberry Hybrid)

Wyeberries are a hybrid between loganberries and another berry type. They produce medium-sized, juicy berries that are slightly sweeter than traditional loganberries.

Tip: Plant in full sun for the best flavor, and ensure regular pruning to maintain healthy growth.

12. Logan Sweet

Logan Sweet produces small, intensely sweet berries that are perfect for making jams and syrups.

Tip: Mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds, helping to keep the roots cool and healthy.

13. Logan Delight

Logan Delight is a compact, high-yielding variety with small, sweet-tart berries that are great for snacking, jams, and pies.

Tip: Train the canes on a trellis or fence to improve air circulation and ease of harvesting.

14. Black Loganberry

Black Loganberries are a rare variety with dark purple-black berries that have a strong, sweet flavor, ideal for fresh eating and making preserves.

Tip: Provide plenty of space for the canes to spread, as Black Loganberries are vigorous growers.

15. Ruby Logan

Ruby Logan produces medium-sized berries with a bright red color and a sweet-tart flavor. It’s perfect for making jam, jelly, or pies.

Tip: Regularly prune the canes after the fruiting season to promote new growth and prevent overcrowding.

16. Heritage Loganberry

Heritage Loganberry is a classic variety known for its large, juicy berries and reliable production year after year.

Tip: Plant Heritage Loganberry in full sun with well-drained soil and water regularly, especially during hot, dry spells.

17. Royalty Purple

Royalty Purple is a hybrid variety that produces purple-tinged berries with a rich, sweet-tart flavor. It’s ideal for fresh eating and making preserves.

Tip: Ensure the plant gets full sun for the best fruit production and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

18. Logan Berry Supreme

Logan Berry Supreme is a high-yielding variety that produces large, sweet-tart berries, ideal for fresh use, jams, and pies.

Tip: Water deeply once a week, especially during the fruiting period, to ensure large, juicy berries.

19. Merton Thornless

Merton Thornless Loganberries are similar to Thornless Loganberry but with slightly larger fruit and higher disease resistance.

Tip: Provide a trellis to support the canes and encourage more sunlight exposure, which helps improve fruit quality.

20. Logan Gold

Logan Gold is a rare variety that produces small, golden-hued berries with a sweet, mild flavor. It’s excellent for fresh eating and making preserves.

Tip: Plant Logan Gold in full sun and prune after the fruiting season to encourage new growth for the following year.

Tips for Growing Loganberries Successfully

1. Choose a sunny location: Loganberries thrive in full sun, so plant them in a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily for the best fruit production.
2. Well-drained soil: Loganberries prefer well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Avoid planting in areas prone to waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
3. Regular watering: Water loganberries deeply and consistently, especially during dry spells and when the fruit is forming. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
4. Provide support: Loganberry canes are vigorous and need support. Install a trellis or use a fence to keep the canes off the ground, improving airflow and making harvesting easier.
5. Prune annually: Prune the canes after the fruiting season to remove old wood and encourage new growth for the next year. This improves air circulation and prevents disease.
6. Mulch to retain moisture: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plants to conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the roots cool during hot weather.
7. Fertilize in spring: Use a balanced fertilizer or compost in early spring to encourage strong growth and fruit production.
8. Pest control: Watch for pests like aphids, caterpillars, and spider mites. Use organic or chemical treatments as necessary to protect your plants.

Common Questions and Answers

Q1: How long does it take for loganberry plants to produce fruit?
Loganberry plants typically begin producing fruit in their second year after planting, with full production by the third or fourth year.

Q2: When is the best time to plant loganberries?
The best time to plant loganberries is in early spring or late fall, while the plant is dormant. This allows the roots to establish before the growing season.

Q3: How often should I water loganberries?
Loganberries should be watered deeply once a week, more frequently during hot or dry weather. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially when the fruit is developing.

Q4: Can loganberries be grown in containers?
Yes, loganberries can be grown in large containers, especially dwarf or compact varieties. Ensure the container has good drainage and water regularly.

Q5: How do I protect loganberries from birds?
Birds love loganberries, so use netting or bird deterrents to protect your fruit as it ripens.