How to Grow Boysenberry in New Zealand
New Zealand is a major boysenberry grower and they do well in cooler districts with reliable moisture. Plant dormant canes in winter and train onto wires. They fruit on second-year canes, so cut out spent canes after harvest and tie in the new growth.
When to plant boysenberry in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | June, July, August |
| Auckland | June, July, August |
| Waikato & BoP | June, July, August |
| Wellington | June, July, August |
| Nelson & Marlborough | June, July, August |
| Canterbury | June, July, August |
| Otago & Southland | June, July, August |
| Central Otago | June, July, August |
Best boysenberry varieties for NZ
- Mapua — Thornless heavy-cropping New Zealand boysenberry with large sweet-tart fruit. (berry nurseries, garden centres)
- Tasman — Productive New Zealand-bred boysenberry, good flavour and vigour. (berry nurseries)
How to grow boysenberry
- Space plants about 150cm apart.
- Sow seed around 10cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 365 days.
Companion planting
Grow boysenberry near: Tansy, Marigold, Garlic.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Birds, Spider mite. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Boysenberry plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant boysenberry in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in June, July, August. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy boysenberry seeds or plants in NZ?
Try berry nurseries, garden centres.