What are Dewberries?
Have you ever wondered about the difference between dewberries and blackberries? Both are trailing berry-producing plants that grow like weeds, but dewberries have a more shrub-like habit than the upright vines of blackberries. They also have purplish-red berries that are similar to raspberries, but with larger and tougher seeds.
Dewberries grow low to the ground, reaching a height of only about 2 feet, and have slender thorns on their red-haired stems. They ripen early in the spring, from late April to early May, and are slightly more acidic than blackberries.
Growing Dewberries
If you’re thinking about growing dewberries, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, they have large lateral growing root systems that spread and interconnect, creating a perennial thicket. So, make sure you have enough space for them to grow and spread.
You can obtain dewberry plants as seedlings or cuttings from a local nursery or a wild patch of dewberries. Prepare the soil in the designated area, which should get several hours of direct sun each day. Dig a hole that is large enough for the root ball of the dewberry plant, at least a foot deep. Put the plant in the hole, cover it with dirt, and pat gently around the base.
If you are planting more than one dewberry plant, space them at least 4 feet apart. Water around the planting until the soil is moist and add a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture. You can also set up a trellis or train the plants to grow on a fence or the like, tying the branches with a piece of string or twist tie.
Care of Dewberries
Dewberries are very easy to care for. They are a hardy perennial that needs very little attention. You may want to fertilize them once they have been established and have grown several inches, but they do not require amending the soil.
It takes four to five years for dewberry plants to mature enough to fruit. Once they do, you can enjoy their delicious berries for many years to come.
Uses for Dewberries
Dewberries are a versatile fruit that can be used in a variety of ways. They can be eaten fresh, used in jams and pies, or even used for homeopathic remedies.
Here are a few ideas for using dewberries:
- Make dewberry jam or jelly
- Bake a dewberry pie or cobbler
- Add dewberries to your favorite smoothie or yogurt
- Use dewberry leaves and roots to make tea or other homeopathic remedies
Conclusion
Dewberries are a delicious and easy-to-grow fruit that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack or a new ingredient for your favorite recipes, dewberries are a great choice.
