The Marionberry is a deciduous, fruiting plant that was created by the cross-pollination of multiple species in the Rubus genus. Marionberry plants produce sweet tasting berries during the summer and can tolerate cold temperatures and a wide range of soil types. The berry itself is a variation of the common Blackberry and due to its taste is one the most popular.
Suitable for Sub-Arctic, Cold and Temperate climates.
These Marionberry seeds are from the fruit of an organic berry farm in Victoria, Australia.
Click here to view fruit range.
Growth
Marionberry is a flowering deciduous shrub that grows to a compact height of up to 3 metres (10 feet) and as wide as 2 metres (7 feet). This species has thorny vines to protect itself from foragers and can sometimes become invasive if not aggressively pruned after the fruiting season. And although the plant is a perennial, each vine fruits biennially, meaning that it grows fresh stems every year but takes two years for them to flower and produce fruit.
Leaves are deciduous, meaning they die off before winter and grow back in the spring, and usually have anywhere between one and five leaflets. The prickly branches often take root if they touch soil which enables the plant to spread. Once established the Marionberries are both drought and frost tolerant, though do enjoy additional watering during the flower and fruiting periods.
The Marionberry is hermaphrodite and so only requires the one plant to produce fruit. Sweet, edible fruits are the primary attraction and can be dark red, purple, or black and reach a modest length of 3cm (just longer than an inch). The berries arrive during the summer period when plants have reached at least two years old.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Rosaceae
CLIMATE:
Sub-Arctic, Cold, Temperate.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-20°C to 30°C / -4 to 86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Light Shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 3 metres (10 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 2 metres (7 feet)
pH:
6.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous, Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low-Medium.
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by bees, butterflies, and Insects.
MATURITY:
2-3 years.
GERMINATION RATES:
70-75%
GERMINATION TIME:
Cold Stratification – 3 months and then 6-12 weeks germination
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium to Hard. Cold stratification & patience required.
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 550.
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No.
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT RUBUS MARIONBERRY ( Marionberry )
The Marionberry was bred by George F. Waldo as a mix between the small, flavourful ‘Chehalem’ berry and the larger, better-producing ‘Olallie’ berry. The berry was officially released in 1956 under the name Marion – the county (State of Oregon, USA) where it was first cultivated and tested.
A little-known secret about Marionberry is that it is the most commonly grown Blackberry variety in the world. Up to 90% of the world’s acreage dedicated to blackberries are that of the Marionberry.
There is much discussion in the gardening world on the success of growing seeds from hybrid plants. We have had success ourselves growing a range of hybrid berry seeds and were inspired to by reading articles such as this.
Germination Instructions
HOW TO GROW RUBUS MARIONBERRY (Marionberry)
NOTE: Although these seeds have come from an organic Marionberry plant, this species is a hybrid and it is possible that the resulting plant/s can revert back to any combination of their original parents.
Step 1
Soak seeds in water of room temperature for about 24 hours, changing the water after 12 hours.
Half fill a plastic zip-lock bag with a pre-moistened seed raising mix, sphagnum moss or peat moss (make sure none of these are too wet – if you can squeeze water out of it with your hand, it is too wet!), write the date on the bag, mix in the seeds loosely and place bag into the fridge for 10-12 weeks.
This process is called ‘cold stratification’ and is done to trick the seeds into believing they are going through a cold winter as they would in their natural habitat.
The seeds may not germinate if they have not been put through this process or germination rates will be lower & can take much longer.
A less successful but easier method is to sow the seeds around late-autumn and keep the soil moist throughout winter. Seeds will then sprout as the warmer weather returns in spring.
Step 2
After 12 weeks, sow each seed about 3mm into seed trays of seed raising soil that is rich in organic matter. Moisten with a spray bottle to avoid over watering and then move into a well-lit but shaded location.
A well-lit location is important as light affects germination rates, however, beware if placing in a sunny location as soil can dry out quickly.
Optimal temperature for germination according to studies is 18°C/64.4°F, however within the temperature range of 15-20°C/60-70°F is acceptable.
Temperatures above 27°C/80°C can cause seeds to go back into a dormant state but have been shown to have germination restart once temperatures dropped and stabilised back below 22°C/72°F.
If your temperatures are much lower at the time of year you are germinating Marionberries, a heat mat may be necessary.
You can cover tray with plastic wrap to keep warmth and moisture inside the tray. Seeds should start to germinate between 6-12 weeks and can be sporadic, so don’t give up on any that haven’t sprouted until after 12 weeks!
Step 3
Once seedlings are looking strong, they can be moved to a sunnier location but be careful doing this in warmer months. If you need to do this, do it slowly so that seedlings have the time to adjust.
Seedlings can be transplanted once they reach 3 inches in height into a good quality, nutrient rich soil. Marionberries prefer a slightly acidic soil to thrive, anywhere between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal.
Keep in a small-medium pot until after first winter, so they can be moved inside if needed to protect them from frost and cold winds at this time.
Seedlings can be fertilised monthly with a weak organic fertiliser.
Step 4
Transplant to final position after last frost has passed, when the plants are between 1-2 years old. If planting more than 1, space 1.5m apart/5 feet.
Again, be aware not to bring the soil to a too alkaline level. Using organic matter such as compost, food scraps, coffee grounds & manure are good organic ways of improving your soil.
During winter plants will often die back and wait until spring to regrow. Marionberry plants will survive severe cold.
Additional water advised when fruiting which is usually around early to mid-summer.
Marionberry plants usually begin fruiting at 2 years of age or during their second full growing season.
