Hartmann's Plant Company develops new 'Ohio's Treasure' black raspberry

The new ‘Ohio's Treasure’ (PPAF) is the black raspberry every home gardener, you-pick grower, and commercial grower of the “black raspberry” has desired for many years. If two crops are chosen by the grower, the cultivar has a normal spring crop and a second crop that yields more than half pound per plant over the late summer and fall season. Plants have high vigor, and for lower field costs, the plants can be cut to the ground after the ample cane-top harvest. The harvest will resume in the next season on the new canes, similar to fall bearing red raspberry.

The spring and fall fruits are typical black raspberries, not firm enough for shipping long distance, but acceptable for farm markets, u-pick, and frozen markets. The plants are strong caned and fruits are firm enough to be mechanically harvested for frozen markets. The size of fruits average 2 grams per berry, similar to the major black raspberry cultivars currently on the market today. The berries have a pleasant taste with a good balance of fresh flavor and sweetness.

The spring crop requires that canes remain on the plants through the winter months. However, if you want to sacrifice the average sized spring crop, just mow down the plants after harvest. One additional benefit, because the plant is mostly underground, no more worrying about winterkill or winter protection.

The plants are adapted to USDA Hardiness Zones 3 – 8.

Plants are available exclusively from Hartmann’s Plant Company.