Blackberry - Thornless
Common Names: Blackberry, cane berry, bramble berry
Botanical names: Rubus fruticosus, (ROO-bus fru-ti-KO-sus)
Availability: June through October
Vase life: 10 to 14 days
Storage temperatures: 55 - 70 degrees Fahrenheit
Ethylene Sensitive: No
Description: Firm shiny aggregate fruits, composed of small drupelets, which are incorrectly referred to as berries. These fruits are located in clusters at the end of stems with leaves below.
Color: Deep red to purple to black as the fruits mature.
Botanical facts: The thornless blackberry is a recent addition to the palette of floral materials available to floral designers. They are edible but do not taste very good.
Design notes: These beautiful fruits are a beautiful addition to late summer and autumn designs. They hold well and are easy to work with.
Purchasing hints: Purchase stems with shiny undamaged berries and turgid foliage.
Conditioning: Remove all damaged and bug-eaten foliage. Give the ends of the woody stems a fresh break or cut. Cut with as sharp knife. Hydrate in water mixed with commercial floral food for two hours before storage or usage.
Video Demonstration: