How to grow loganberry
Overview
Loganberry is a hybrid of blackberry and raspberry, producing large, dark red berries with a distinctive sweet-tart flavour. It is grown for its heavy summer crop and is one of the most productive cane berries for home gardens. The plant requires a trellis and annual cane renewal pruning.
Varieties
- Loganberry 'LY654' — The standard commercial variety in Australia, bred for high yield and good flavour.
- Loganberry 'Thornless' — A nearly thornless selection that is easier to harvest and prune, popular in home gardens.
Soil Preparation
Loganberry prefers deep, well-drained loam with a pH of 6.0–6.5. Before planting, dig in plenty of well-rotted manure or compost. If soil is heavy clay, raise beds or add gypsum to improve drainage. Avoid waterlogged sites as roots will rot.
Growing Guide
Plant loganberry in full sun with well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0–6.5). Space canes 1.5–2 m apart in rows, and install a sturdy trellis or fence before planting. Set the crown at soil level and water in well. Mulch with straw or wood chips to keep roots cool and suppress weeds. New canes will emerge from the base in spring; tie them to the trellis as they grow.
Care
Feed loganberry with a balanced fertiliser (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring and again after harvest. Prune out all old, fruited canes at ground level after picking, and tie the new season's canes to the trellis. Renew the mulch layer annually to maintain moisture and suppress weeds.
Companion Planting
Plant loganberry near other cane berries like blackberries and raspberries for similar care. Avoid planting near tomatoes, potatoes, or eggplants as they share verticillium wilt risk. Good companions include borage, chives, and comfrey to attract pollinators and improve soil.
Common Pests & Risks
Loganberry can suffer from cane blight (dark lesions on canes) and spur blight (purple spots). Remove and destroy infected canes. Mites cause leaf stippling and poor fruit; use horticultural oil in early spring. Birds are a major pest — cover with netting as fruit ripens. Avoid overwatering to reduce fungal issues.
Harvesting
Harvest loganberries when they turn a deep, dark red and soften slightly; they will not ripen further off the cane. Pick every 2–3 days during peak season, handling gently to avoid crushing. The fruit is ready when it pulls away easily from the receptacle without tugging.
In the Kitchen
Loganberries are superb fresh, in jams, pies, and cordials. They freeze well without losing shape. Their high pectin content makes them ideal for preserves without added pectin. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Troubleshooting
Yellow leaves between veins: likely iron deficiency in alkaline soil — apply chelated iron. Canes die back in summer: cane blight — cut out and destroy affected canes. Fruit small and dry: lack of water or poor pollination — water deeply and plant nearby flowers. Leaves curl and distort: mite damage — spray with horticultural oil in spring. Fruit fails to colour: too much shade — move to full sun.