List of small fruits

BlueberriesSeasonAttributes
BluecropMid Light blue berry, good dessert quality. Vigorous, upright growth with fiery-red fall foliage.
BluerayEarly/MidLarge powder blue fruit. Sweet, and slightly tart. Rosy-pink flowers turn bright white in full bloom.
ElliotLateLarge sweet, slightly tart berries in September! Burgundy wood and grey green leaves.
JewelMid Abundant crops of the largest Southern Highbush berries with a sweet, tangy flavor. Upright habit. Long harvest period.
MistyEarlyVigorous and prolific producer of med. sweet juicy berries. Smaller plant. Nice fall color.
O’NealEarlyVery sweet, med. sized light blue fruit. Southern Highbush that is the earliest to ripen.
Pink LemonadeMid/LateA hybrid of a Rabbit eye and a Southern Highbush. Beautiful interior and exterior pink color develops with peak ripeness. Tastes just like a “blue”berry!
ReveilleEarlyMedium to large, light blue, firm fruit with a pleasantly distinct flavor. Easy to grow variety that thrives in either hot climates, or cool coastal areas. Upright growth
SharpblueEarlyBerries are dark blue, dime-sized, with excellent flavor and texture.
Sunshine BlueEarly/LateMed. size, sweet and tangy. Semi-dwarf. Great in pots! Can produce year round. Fall color.
Balckberries
Black Satin ThornlessLarge, firm, glossy black berries bursting with flavor when ripe. Highly disease resistant and productive with minimal suckering.
Chester ThornlessSemi erect canes produce large, sweet, dark berries. Flavorful even before peak ripeness. Disease resistant.
OlallieBig ‘ol, shiny, firm berries that are more sweet than tart than other blackberries. Great for pies.
Triple Crown ThornlessNamed for its three crowning attributes: Flavor, productivity, and vigor! Large, firm juicy berries ripen mid-summer.
Boysenberry ThornlessA hybrid of blackberry, raspberry, dewberry and loganberry. Fruits are large, dark maroon in color with an intense, tangy, sweet flavor.
Brambles
MarionberryMidsummer Excellent flavor, berries produced on arching canes, perfect for pie
Prime Ark FreedomMidsummer New thornless blackberry with large, great flavor fruit
Superlicious!Midsummer Compact thornless gourmet blackberry, good in pots
Thornless BoysenberryMidsummer Huge sweet berries on thornless, arching canes
Triple CrownMidsummer Thornless variety with excellent quality berries
Goji Berry
Crimson StarLate SummerLarger berry, self fertile, good taste
Cranberry &
Lingonberry
American CranberryLate SummerShines in fall with berries & colorful foliage. Tart taste
LingonberryMidsummerEvergeen, blooms twice a year & is great in containers. Tart taste
Currants
Crandall BlackMidsummerSelf fertile. Large, tasty black currant that grows well
Primus WhiteMidsummerSelf fertile. Compact grower with sweet & tasty currant
Red LakeMidsummerSelf fertile. Abundant crops with excellent flavor
Grapes
Black MonukkaEarly/Mid SeasonLarge seedless purple/black table grape with good flavor
CanadiceEarly SeasonA variety that does it all – snacks & salads to jelly, juice, & wine
CatawbaMid/Late SeasonSpicy flavored red slipskin variety, good fresh or for wines
Concord SeedlessMid SeptemberSlipkin blue/black grape, great fresh or for juices/wines
Flame SeedlessEarly SeasonCrisp firm red table grapes that are easy to grow
Himrod SeedlessEarly SeasonAbundant golden yellow table grape with good flavor
InterlakenMid/Late AugustSeedless & self-pollinating variety
JupiterMid SeptemberLarge, nearly seedless, blue-black fruit with muscat flavor
Reliance SeedlessAugust Deep red fruit great for eating fresh
Ruby SeedlessMid/Late SeasonLarge clusters of sweet red grapes, self fertile
SiegerrebeEarly SeptemberHigh quality white wine grape from Germany for Western Washington
Suffolk RedMid/Late SeasonExcellent seedless red grape with good size & flavor
VanessaEarly SeasonGood producer of sweet, firm red seedless fruit
Honeyberries
BorealisEarly/Mid SeasonUpright variety 3′ to 5′ tall with large, tasty berries
CinderellaEarly/Mid SeasonUpright variety roughly 4′ tall x 3′ wide, excellent flavor
MaxieEarly SummerNewer Yezberry variety w/large, tasty berries.
Sugar PieEarly SummerNewer Yezberry variety w/great taste & compact size.
TundraLate SeasonUpright variety, high quality berries like blueberries
Raspberries
AnneEverbearingThe largest (quarter-sized!) & best tasting of the yellow raspberries. Highly adaptable to cooler summers. Self-fruitful.
CanbySpringbearingThe only truly “thornless”, red raspberry. Large, firm, juicy berries are good for all uses. Heavy summer harvest in Bay Area climate. Aphid and viroid resistant.
CarolineEverbearingVery productive large, firm, juicy berries with rich, true raspberry flavor. Berries ripen as early as June, then again in Fall. Tolerant to root rot and has high resistance to gray mold.
Fall GoldEverbearingBig conical, non-crumbling golden berries with extremely sweet flesh. Great for canning or fresh desserts!
HeritageEverbearingLarger, firm, deep red berries. Classic flavor! Great fresh or preserved. Vigorous, hardy canes which may not need staking.
Strawberries
AlbionEverbearingLong, conical, firm fruit w/ excellent flavor and disease resistance. Prefers rich, well-drained soil. Bears all summer long where weather is mild.
CabrilloEverbearingAn abundance of medium to deep-red flavorful firm fruit of the highest quality and longest shelf life. Disease resistant.
ChandlerJune-bearingFruit size is med. to large, high yielding, brilliant red color, and excellent flavor. A vigorous, early variety producing many runners. Fairly resistant to leaf spot. A taste test winner!
MontereyEverbearingLarge, semi-soft fruit with outstanding flavor and a very unique sweet aftertaste. Plant is vigorous & disease resistant. Best in full sun. An easy berry to grow for “little” gardeners!
San AndreasEverbearingSimilar to ‘Albion’ for fruit quality, but with a higher yield. With large, attractive, very flavorful fruit.
SeascapeEverbearingVery sweet, large conical-shaped berries, with an attractive, glossy finish from late Spring through Fall. Disease resistant and adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions.
ShuksanJune-bearingHuge sweet berries, easy variety to grow & great in pots
Kiwis
Hardy Male Sept/Oct Great pollinator for hardy female varieties
Issai Sept/OctSelf-fertile hardy Kiwi, greenish color & good flavor
JennyOct/Nov Self-fertile female, but will yield more with a male planted near
Ken’s RedSept/Oct Female hardy Kiwi, abundant red fruit, needs male
Kiwi Magic Sept/Oct Hardy grape kiwi with both male & female plants grown together
Pasha AugustA good pollinator, does not bear fruit
Saanichton Sept/OctFemale fuzzy kiwi for cooler climates, needs male
September Sun Sept/OctFemale arctic type kiwi with large tasty fruit
Sweet n’ Solo Sept/OctFast growing fuzzy kiwi, self-fertile
Tomuri Sept/OctVigorous growing, deciduous male pollinator
VincentSept/OctVigorous fuzzy kiwi for mild climates, needs male
Olives
ArbequinaLate SummerHardy Spanish-type olive, great quality olives good for oil, self-fertile
ManzanilloLate SummerHardy Spanish type olive with many great uses, self-fertile

Are you looking to add an array of tiny, delectable fruits to your garden? Look no further than small fruits! These miniature wonders are perfect for home gardens, offering a bountiful harvest and a burst of flavor. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore a variety of small fruit options, providing you with a selection of tasty treasures for your own small fruit garden.

Let’s delve into the world of small fruit varieties, from the sweet tang of blueberries to the exotic allure of figs and kiwis. Discover the joys of growing small fruits and enrich your garden with these delightful additions. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, our guide will provide you with the knowledge and tips you need for success.

Get ready to explore different types of small fruits, including blueberries, blackberries, figs, grapes, kiwis, currants, and strawberries. With their vibrant colors and vibrant flavors, small fruits are sure to add a touch of sweetness to your garden and your plate. So, grab your gardening gloves and let’s dive into the world of small fruits!

Blueberries: A Sweet Treat for Your Garden

Blueberries are a popular choice for small fruit gardens due to their delectable taste and versatility. With a wide variety of blueberry cultivars available, gardeners can enjoy a range of flavors, sizes, and fruiting seasons. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, growing blueberries can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

Blueberry Cultivars

When it comes to blueberry cultivars, there is a diverse selection to choose from. Each cultivar offers unique characteristics, including fruit size, flavor, and ripening time. Here are some popular blueberry cultivars for your small fruit garden:

Blueberry CultivarFlavorFruiting Season
BluecropSweetMid-late season
BluerayTart and tangyMid-late season
ElliotSweet and mildLate season
JewelSweetMid-season
MistySweet with a hint of tartnessEarly season
O’NealSweetMid-season
Pink LemonadeSweet with a hint of acidityEarly-mid season
ReveilleSweet and aromaticEarly season
SharpblueTart and tangyEarly-mid season
Sunshine BlueSweet and juicyEarly-late season

Growing Blueberries

Blueberries thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Before planting, make sure to amend the soil with organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. Blueberries can be grown in raised beds or containers, making them suitable for small gardens. To ensure successful growth, consider the following tips:

  • Choose a sunny location for your blueberry plants.
  • Test your soil’s pH level and adjust it to the appropriate range (4.5-5.5) if necessary.
  • Plant blueberries in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.
  • Water consistently, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
  • Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Prune regularly to promote air circulation and remove dead or diseased branches.

With proper care and maintenance, your blueberry bushes will reward you with an abundance of delicious berries to enjoy fresh or use in various culinary delights.

Blueberries are not only a tasty addition to your small fruit garden, but they also offer numerous health benefits. Packed with antioxidants and vitamins, blueberries are known for their potential to improve brain health, promote heart health, and support a strong immune system. So why not add these flavorful and nutritious berries to your garden?

Blackberries and Raspberries: Tangy Delights

Blackberries and raspberries, also known as brambles or caneberries, are another option for your small fruit garden. These tangy and flavorful fruits not only add visual interest with their vibrant colors but also make a delicious addition to a variety of culinary dishes.

When it comes to blackberries, popular varieties like Black Satin Thornless, Chester Thornless, Olallie, Triple Crown Thornless, and Boysenberry Thornless are highly recommended for their ease of cultivation and sweet-tart flavors.

Black Satin Thornless: This variety produces large, juicy blackberries on thornless canes, making them easy to harvest. They thrive in full sun or partial shade and require well-drained soil for optimal growth.

Chester Thornless: Chester blackberries are known for their exceptional flavor and productivity. These thornless cultivars produce plump berries with a sweet-tart taste. They can be grown in various climates and soil conditions.

Olallie: Olallie blackberries are prized for their large, firm berries and excellent flavor. They are known for their disease resistance and adaptability to different growing conditions.

Triple Crown Thornless: Triple Crown blackberries are prized for their large, glossy berries and outstanding flavor. They are thornless varieties that are resistant to various diseases.

Boysenberry Thornless: Boysenberry blackberries are a cross between raspberries, blackberries, and loganberries. They have a unique flavor and can be used in jams, jellies, pies, and other delicious treats.

As for raspberries, popular cultivars like Heritage, Canby, Caroline, Joan J, and Fall Gold offer a range of flavors and colors to suit different tastes and preferences.

Heritage: Heritage raspberries are known for their robust flavor and high yield. This ever-bearing raspberry variety produces fruit on both first-year and second-year canes, providing a longer harvesting period.

Canby: Canby raspberries are highly regarded for their large, sweet berries and disease resistance. They are suitable for home gardeners and commercial growers alike.

Caroline: Caroline raspberries are cherished for their exquisite taste and large fruit size. These disease-resistant raspberries are perfect for fresh consumption, baking, or preserving.

Joan J: Joan J raspberries are prized for their unique golden color and sweet, juicy flavor. They are easy to grow and can be enjoyed fresh, frozen, or used in jams and desserts.

Fall Gold: Fall Gold raspberries are well-loved for their bright golden color and exceptional sweetness. This ever-bearing variety produces two crops each year, making it a popular choice among home gardeners.

To grow blackberries and raspberries successfully, provide them with a sunny spot in your garden and well-drained soil. Regular pruning is essential to promote healthy growth, maintain plant shape, and prevent overgrowth. These versatile fruits can be used in jams, pies, desserts, smoothies, or enjoyed fresh for a tangy burst of flavor.

Benefits of Growing Blackberries and Raspberries:

  • Rich in antioxidants and vitamins
  • Easy to care for and maintain
  • Suitable for various culinary uses
  • Attractive addition to your garden with their colorful fruits and foliage
  • Can be enjoyed fresh or preserved for later use

Fig and Kiwi: Exotic Fruits for Your Garden

For those looking to add some exotic fruits to their garden, figs and kiwis are excellent choices. Fig cultivars like Black Jack, Black Mission, Brown Turkey, Conadria, Desert King, Panache Tiger, and Violette de Bordeaux offer unique flavors and can be grown in containers or small spaces. Kiwi varieties like Issaii and Jenny are “fuzzless” and can be easily grown in home gardens. Figs and kiwis require full sun and well-drained soil. They may need protection from freezing temperatures in colder climates.

FigsCharacteristics
Black JackLarge, sweet dark-purple fruit
Black MissionMedium-sized, blackish-purple fruit with a rich flavor
Brown TurkeyMedium to large, brown fruit with a milder flavor
ConadriaLarge, green fruit with a honey-like sweetness
Desert KingLarge, yellow-green fruit with a pink interior
Panache TigerSmall to medium-sized, green and yellow-striped fruit
Violette de BordeauxSmall, dark purple fruit with a rich flavor and reddish flesh
KiwisCharacteristics
IssaiiSmall, green fruit with a sweet and tangy flavor
JennySmall, green fruit with a smooth skin and tropical flavor

Grapes: A Classic Choice for Your Garden

Grapes are a classic choice for any small fruit garden. With their versatile uses and beautiful vines, growing grapes can add both aesthetic appeal and a bountiful harvest to your outdoor space. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, grapes are relatively easy to cultivate and maintain.

When selecting grape varieties for your small fruit garden, consider options such as Concord Seedless, Crimson Seedless, Flame Seedless, Golden Muscat, Interlaken Seedless, Princess, Suffolk Red Seedless, and Thompson Seedless. These popular grape varieties are well-suited for home gardens and offer a range of flavors and sizes.

To ensure successful grape cultivation, it’s important to provide them with the right growing conditions. Grapes thrive in full sun and require well-drained soil. Additionally, trellises or arbors can be used to train the vines and create a stunning focal point in your garden.

Regular pruning is essential to maintain the health of grape plants and promote fruit production. Pruning should be done during the dormant season to remove dead or weak wood and encourage new growth. By following proper pruning techniques, you can enhance the overall growth and productivity of your grape vines.

Benefits of Growing Grapes

  • Grapes are a versatile fruit that can be enjoyed fresh, dried, or used in various culinary creations such as jams, jellies, and wine.
  • Growing grapes provides an opportunity to experience the satisfaction of growing your own food and enjoying the fruits of your labor.
  • Grape vines can serve as an attractive landscape feature, adding visual interest and enhancing the overall aesthetics of your garden.
  • Grapes are rich in antioxidants and have numerous health benefits, including supporting heart health and boosting the immune system.
  • Growing grapes can be a fun and rewarding activity for the whole family, as children can participate in the planting, caring, and harvesting process.
Grape VarietyFlavor ProfileFruit Size
Concord SeedlessSweet and tangyMedium-large
Crimson SeedlessSweet and crispMedium
Flame SeedlessSweet and juicyLarge
Golden MuscatFruity and aromaticMedium
Interlaken SeedlessMild and flavorfulSmall to medium
PrincessSweet and seedlessLarge
Suffolk Red SeedlessSweet and vibrantMedium
Thompson SeedlessDelicately sweetMedium

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply enjoy the taste of fresh grapes, growing your own grape vines can be a rewarding and satisfying experience. With the right selection of grape varieties, proper care, and dedication, you can create a thriving small fruit garden that includes delicious homegrown grapes.

Strawberries: A Sweet and Juicy Delight

Strawberries are a beloved small fruit for their sweet and juicy taste. Whether you have a small fruit garden or a few pots on your balcony, growing strawberries can bring a burst of flavor and beauty to your space. There are various varieties of strawberries that thrive in home gardens, such as Albion, Cabrillo, Chandler, Monterey, and San Andreas, known for their exceptional taste and abundance of fruits.

When it comes to growing strawberries, they prefer full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. It’s essential to provide well-drained soil for optimal growth. You can plant strawberries in raised beds, containers, or even matted rows. Consider the type of strawberries you want to grow, as there are two main categories: everbearing and June-bearing.

Everbearing strawberries produce fruit from spring to fall, providing a constant harvest throughout the growing season. On the other hand, June-bearing strawberries focus on producing a single crop in the spring, providing a larger yield of berries. Whichever type you choose, regular maintenance is crucial for a successful strawberry harvest. This includes proper watering, mulching to control weeds, and removing any damaged or diseased foliage to promote healthy growth.

With their irresistible flavor and versatility in the kitchen, strawberries are a delightful addition to any small fruit garden. Whether you enjoy them fresh, turn them into jams and preserves, or add them to desserts and salads, these tiny red gems will surely become a favorite in your garden and on your plate.

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