The olallieberry is a unique hybrid cane fruit developed in the mid-20th century, resulting from a cross between the ‘Black Logan’ blackberry and the youngberry. This parentage gives the fruit a distinct, elongated shape and a flavor profile balanced between sweetness and a notable tart finish. While it originated in Oregon, the olallieberry is most popular along the cool, temperate coastal regions of California. The large, juicy berries are excellent for fresh eating, baking into pies, and processing into jams and preserves.
Site Selection and Initial Planting
Olallieberries are trailing cane berries that require full sun exposure, needing a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal fruit production. While they tolerate slight shade, insufficient light results in diminished yields and fruit quality.
The soil must be well-draining to prevent root rot, yet still retain consistent moisture. Olallieberries prefer a slightly acidic pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Test the soil before planting to determine if amendments like peat moss or compost are needed to improve drainage and fertility. Incorporating well-aged compost or manure provides a foundational source of slow-release nutrients.
The optimal time to plant bare-root olallieberries is during the dormant season, typically late winter or early spring. Space plants approximately five feet apart, as they are vigorous growers that need room to spread. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, place the roots at the same depth they were previously grown, and water thoroughly to settle the plant.
Pruning and Trellising Techniques
Managing the vigorous, trailing canes through structural support and annual pruning is necessary to maintain plant health and maximize harvest. Olallieberries are floricane-fruiting plants, meaning they produce fruit only on canes that grew the previous year. First-year canes, called primocanes, grow vegetatively, while second-year canes, called floricanes, produce berries before dying back after harvest.
Trellising is necessary to keep the long, trailing canes off the ground. This improves air circulation, reduces disease risk, and simplifies harvesting. A T-trellis system uses sturdy posts and horizontal cross-arms to support parallel wires, typically at heights around 30 and 50 inches, for training the canes. Alternatively, a fan system ties individual canes to a simple wire fence or panel for containment.
Pruning occurs in two phases. Immediately after the summer harvest, remove the spent floricanes down to the ground. This directs the plant’s energy toward developing the new primocanes that will bear fruit next year. The second phase occurs during the dormant winter period. Thin the remaining primocanes to leave only the four to six most vigorous canes per plant. Head back the laterals, or side branches, to a length of 12 to 18 inches to encourage thicker growth.
Routine Watering, Feeding, and Pest Management
Consistent moisture is required for olallieberry plants, especially from flowering through harvest, as water stress reduces fruit size and yield. Deep watering once a week, supplying about one inch of water, is a general guideline, but adjust this based on local weather and soil type. Using drip irrigation or soaker hoses is beneficial because it delivers water directly to the root zone and keeps the foliage dry, helping prevent fungal diseases.
When feeding olallieberries, promote healthy growth without encouraging excessive primocane development, which results from too much nitrogen. Apply a complete fertilizer formulated for cane berries, or one with a low nitrogen-to-phosphorus-potassium ratio, in early spring before new growth begins. Organic amendments like compost can also be applied in late fall or early winter to slowly release nutrients and improve soil structure.
Many issues can be mitigated with cultural practices focused on prevention. Generous spacing and proper trellising allow for maximum air circulation, deterring fungal problems like rust and gray mold. Pest insects such as aphids and cane borers can be managed through regular inspection and targeted application of organic controls like horticultural oil or neem oil. Maintaining a weed-free zone around the plant base reduces competition for water and nutrients.
Harvesting and Storage
Identifying ripeness is important because olallieberries, like most cane fruits, do not improve in flavor or sweetness after picking. Ripeness is indicated by a uniform, deep black color across the entire fruit. The berry should release easily from the vine with only a slight tug; if it requires force to detach, it is not yet fully ripe and should be left for a few more days.
The peak harvest period generally occurs between late spring and early summer, with fruit ripening over several weeks depending on the microclimate. Handle berries gently during picking, as their tender flesh bruises easily, shortening their post-harvest life. Harvesting in the early morning after the dew has dried, when the fruit is still cool, helps retain quality.
Olallieberries are highly perishable and should be cooled rapidly after picking, ideally near 32°F. For short-term use, store the unwashed berries in a single layer in the refrigerator for two to five days. For long-term preservation, the fruit freezes well, either individually on a tray or packed tightly for use in baking, jams, and smoothies.