White flowers appear in spring, followed by large firm conical dark wine purple fruit of excellent flavour. Boysenberry Starlight™ is moderately vigorous with thornless canes. It is self-fertile, pollinated by insects and bees. Starlight™ is a cross between a Blackberry and a Raspberry and grows New Zealand wide.
Boysenberry Starlight™ should be ready for harvesting over December and January (early season) with heavy yields. The best way to have Boysenberries is to eat fresh, straight from the plant. Or chilled for later use, in desserts, added to a fresh summer salad, or a bowl of ice-cream. The berries are ready when easily removed. Boysenberries are high in antioxidants and rich in Vitamin C.
Size - 1.5 x 3m
Plant in full sun and protect from wind (including salty sea winds). Plant in a well-drained position with good moisture content and high in organic matter, as this will see the plant thrive. (Mulch annually in spring). Like any deciduous fruiting plant, they benefit from Copper and Oil sprays during winter to help keep the plant healthy and disease-free.
Pruning all brambles involves tying up strong canes produced in spring and summer and removing thin, weak, and wandering canes. In late summer - early autumn, remove 10cm of the terminal growth of the canes. This will initiate the production of fruiting spurs. Remove fruited canes from the soil base in autumn (or winter in cooler, dryer areas).