Small Fruits
Berries and grapes are ideally suited to many of Idaho’s growing areas. Regardless of where you live in the state, there are small fruits that you can grow successfully. As with all other crops, however, success largely depends on selecting varieties that are well adapted to your climate and soils.
Arbutus
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View ProfileBlueberry
View ProfileBoysenberry
View ProfileCloudberry
View ProfileCurrant
View ProfileElderberry
View ProfileGoji
View ProfileGooseberry
View ProfileGrape
View ProfileHawberry
View ProfileHoneyberry
View ProfileHuckleberry
View ProfileJostaberry
View ProfileKiwi
View ProfileLoganberry & Tayberry
View ProfileMulberry
View ProfileRaspberry
View ProfileRosehip
View ProfileRowanberry
View ProfileServiceberry
View ProfileStrawberry
View ProfileArbutus
Also called the strawberry tree, arbutus grows and interesting small fruit that is edible and enjoyed by many. It requires well-drained acidic soil and is only somewhat cold hardy, so make sure you know your hardiness zone and soil before you consider this plant.
General care
- Growing small-fruit crops in short-season gardens, BUL868
- Growing small fruits in the home garden, Washington State University (PDF)
- Native madrones are special to the northwest, Oregon State University
- Small fruits — Idaho Master Gardener handbook chapter 23 (PDF)
- Strawberry trees, Arbutus unedo, Arbor Day Foundation
Pruning
- Pruning fruit trees: clip with confidence! Utah State University (PDF)
- Pruning the orchard, Utah State University (PDF)
Diseases
Pests
Preservation
Blackberry
Blackberries are a delicious treat and native to parts of the pacific northwest. Blackberries are suited to Idaho’s warmer growing regions. They may require extra frost precautions and soil amendments in other area.
General care
- Blackberries, Utah State University
- Raspberries and blackberries, Oregon State University (PDF)
- Blackberry management in Utah, Utah State University (PDF)
- Growing blackberries in your home garden, Oregon State University
- Growing raspberries and blackberries in the inland northwest and intermountain west
- Growing small-fruit crops in short-season gardens, BUL868
- Growing small fruits in the home garden, Washington State University (PDF)
- Small fruits — Idaho Master Gardener handbook chapter 23 (PDF)
- Spring is the time to turn attention to blackberries and raspberries, Oregon State University
Diseases
Pests
Preservation
Blueberry
Blueberries are among the most popular fruits for home and market gardening. Growing blueberries in many regions of Idaho, however, can be nearly impossible. Make sure you know your soil pH that blueberry needs before you take on this adventure plant.
General care
- Blueberries, Washington State University (PDF)
- Blueberries in Utah? difficult, but maybe not impossible, Utah State University (PDF)
- Blueberry cultivars for the pacific northwest, Oregon State University (PDF)
- Growing blueberries in the inland northwest and intermountain west
- Growing small-fruit crops in short-season gardens, BUL868
- Growing small fruits in the home garden, Washington State University (PDF)
- High bush blueberry, Washington State University
- Small fruits — Idaho Master Gardener handbook chapter 23 (PDF)
Soils and fertility
Diseases
Pests
Preservation
Boysenberry
The boysenberry is a cross between raspberry, blackberry, dewberry and loganberry. It is a large berry similar to blackberries and can be used like raspberries or raspberries.
General care
- Growing small-fruit crops in short-season gardens, BUL868
- Growing small fruits in the home garden, Washington State University (PDF)
- Small fruits — Idaho Master Gardener handbook chapter 23 (PDF)
Diseases
Preservation
Cloudberry
Cloudberry is a small berry native to the northern regions of the world in colder climates, including the northern U.S. and Canada. It produces small raspberry like berries that can be eaten fresh, baked into treats or preserved as jams and jellies.
General care
- Cloudberry, Purdue University
- Growing small-fruit crops in short-season gardens, BUL868
- Growing small fruits in the home garden, Washington State University (PDF)
- Small fruits — Idaho Master Gardener handbook chapter 23 (PDF)
Preservation
Currant
Currants are native to the northern hemisphere and come in several different colors. The most common currants are the red and black currants. Currants are enjoyed fresh, in baked and canned goods, and dried.
General care
- Currants “a berry,” Utah State University (PDF)
- Currants, gooseberries and jostaberries – 7.005, Colorado State University
- Growing currants, Utah State University (PDF)
- Growing currants, gooseberries and jostaberries in the inland northwest and intermountain west, BUL855
- Growing small-fruit crops in short-season gardens, BUL868
- Growing small fruits in the home garden, Washington State University (PDF)
- Red currants in the garden, Utah State University (PDF)
- Small fruits — Idaho Master Gardener handbook chapter 23 (PDF)
Diseases
Pests
Preservation
Elderberry
Elderberries grow on large bushes to small trees and are native to many parts of Idaho. It is an extremely versatile plant — both the flowers and the berries are harvested for food use. Look for the clusters of tiny yellowish-white flowers in the spring.
General care
- Elderberries, Utah State University (PDF)
- Elderberry in the Garden, Utah State University (PDF)
- Fruit trees — Idaho Master Gardener handbook chapter 22 (PDF)
- Growing small-fruit crops in short-season gardens, BUL868
- Growing small fruits in the home garden, Washington State University (PDF)
- Small fruits — Idaho Master Gardener handbook chapter 23 (PDF)
Pruning
- Pruning fruit trees: clip with confidence! Utah State University (PDF)
- Pruning the orchard, Utah State University (PDF)
- Training and pruning your home orchard, Oregon State University (PDF)
Pests
Preservation
Goji
Goji is a small, vibrant red fruit known for its super fruit properties. This fruit can be grown with some success in Idaho but will require a watchful eye. A close relative to tomatillos and tomatoes.
General care
- Backyard gardener, growing goji berries, University of Arizona
- Goji in the garden, Utah State University (PDF)
- Growing goji, Utah State University
- Growing small-fruit crops in short-season gardens, BUL868
- Growing small fruits in the home garden, Washington State University (PDF)
- Small fruits — Idaho Master Gardener handbook chapter 23 (PDF)
Preservation
Gooseberry
Gooseberries are small, somewhat tart berries, that are a favorite for jams and jellies. They are somewhat easy to grow and can tolerate most harsh Idaho conditions.
General care
- Currants, gooseberries and jostaberries — 7.005, Colorado State University
- Gooseberry in the garden, Utah State University (PDF)
- Growing currants, gooseberries and jostaberries in the inland northwest and intermountain west, BUL855
- Growing gooseberry, Utah State University
- Growing small-fruit crops in short-season gardens, BUL868
- Growing small fruits in the home garden, Washington State University (PDF)
- Small fruits — Idaho Master Gardener handbook chapter 23 (PDF)
Diseases
Pests
Preservation
Grape
Grapes are an immensely popular fruit crop with gardeners worldwide and Idaho gardeners are no exception. Idaho has commercial table and wine grape industries, located mostly in southwestern Idaho and, to a lesser degree, in and around Lewiston in northern Idaho.
General care
- Grapevine management, Utah State University (PDF)
- Growing grapes, Utah State University
- Growing small-fruit crops in short-season gardens, BUL868
- Growing small fruits in the home garden, Washington State University (PDF)
- Protecting grapevines from winter injury, Oregon State University (PDF)
- Selecting grape cultivars and planting sites in Idaho
- Small fruits — Idaho Master Gardener handbook chapter 23 (PDF)
Pruning
- How to prune grapes, Utah State University Extension (video)
- Pruning and training grapes, Utah State University (video)
Diseases
Pests
Preservation
Hawberry
Hawberries are native to most regions of Idaho and grown on hawthorn bushes. Hawberries are the size of a small grape, deep red and very firm. They are most desired for jelly making and baking.
General care
- Growing small-fruit crops in short-season gardens, BUL868
- Growing small fruits in the home garden, Washington State University (PDF)
- Hawthorn trees, University of Illinois
- Small fruits — Idaho Master Gardener handbook chapter 23 (PDF)
Pruning
- Pruning fruit trees: clip with confidence! Utah State University (PDF)
- Pruning the orchard, Utah State University Extension (PDF)
Diseases
Pests
Preservation
Honeyberry
Honeberry, also call blue honeysuckle or haskap, is a large, oblong blue berry with a sweet taste. Bushes can be small to quite large for a berry bush. The plants are very hardy and will produce berries for several weeks. The berries have a thick skin making them less susceptible to damage.
General care
- Growing haskap, Utah State University
- Growing small-fruit crops in short-season gardens, BUL868
- Growing small fruits in the home garden, Washington State University (PDF)
- Live talking about honeyberries, Utah State University (video)
- Small fruits — Idaho Master Gardener handbook chapter 23 (PDF)
Pruning
- see live talking about honeyberries video
Diseases
Pests
Preservation
Huckleberry
Huckleberries grow naturally in many parts of Idaho. These tiny, tart berries are coveted for their unique taste. They are difficult and laborious to acquire from nature leaving many to wonder if they can grow huckleberries at home. Huckleberries are an adventure plant as they are very finicky and tend to prefer a certain elevation range as well as acidic soils. However, varieties that will tolerate dry, slightly alkaline soils and valley conditions do exist and may survive in the home garden.
General care
- Growing small-fruit crops in short-season gardens, BUL868
- Growing small fruits in the home garden, Washington State University (PDF)
- Growing western huckleberries, BUL821
- Small fruits — Idaho Master Gardener handbook chapter 23 (PDF)
Diseases
Preservation
Jostaberry
Jostaberry is a crock between black currants and gooseberries. Jostaberries look very similar to black currants with their very dark color and have a similar flavor to both berries. They can be enjoyed fresh or in preserves.
General care
- Currants, gooseberries and jostaberries – 7.005, Colorado State University
- Growing currants, gooseberries and jostaberries in the inland northwest and intermountain west
- Growing small-fruit crops in short-season gardens, BUL868
- Growing small fruits in the home garden, Washington State University (PDF)
- Jostaberry growing guide, Growveg.com
- Small fruits — Idaho Master Gardener handbook chapter 23 (PDF)
Diseases
- See currant and gooseberry
Pests
- See currant and gooseberry
Preservation
Kiwi
Kiwi are a unique tropical fruit that you can, in fact, grow in Idaho. Hardy kiwi vines will grow in many regions of Idaho, and the more traditional kiwi will grow in the warmest parts of Idaho.
General care
- Growing kiwifruit, PNW507
- Growing kiwifruit, Oregon State University (PDF)
- Growing small-fruit crops in short-season gardens, BUL868
- Growing small fruits in the home garden, Washington State University (PDF)
- Hardy kiwi in the garden, Utah State University (PDF)
- Small fruits — Idaho Master Gardener handbook chapter 23 (PDF)
Pruning
- Pruning fruit trees: clip with confidence! Utah State University (PDF)
- Pruning the orchard, Utah State University Extension (PDF)
Diseases
Preservation
Loganberry & Tayberry
Both berries are crosses of blackberry and raspberry. Loganberries have a darker color while tayberries taste slightly sweeter. Follow recommendations for blackberries and raspberries when growing these berries.
General care
- Growing raspberries and blackberries in the inland northwest and intermountain west< BUL812
- Growing small-fruit crops in short-season gardens, BUL868
- Growing small fruits in the home garden, Washington State University (PDF)
- Raspberries and blackberries, Oregon State University
- Small fruits — Idaho Master Gardener handbook chapter 23 (PDF)
- Spring is the time to turn attention to blackberries and raspberries
Pruning
Diseases
Pests
Preservation
Mulberry
Mulberries look like a long, skinny blackberry but are very sweet. They grow on trees that can reach great heights. Mulberries are a favorite for fresh eating, syrups, jams and pies. Songbirds also love these delectable berries.
General care
- Growing small-fruit crops in short-season gardens, BUL868
- Growing small fruits in the home garden, Washington State University (PDF)
- Mulberry, white, Utah State University
- Red and white mulberry in Indiana, Purdue University (PDF)
- Small fruits — Idaho Master Gardener handbook chapter 23 (PDF)
Pruning
- Pruning fruit trees: clip with confidence! Utah State University (PDF)
- Pruning the orchard, Utah State University Extension (PDF)
Diseases
Preservation
Raspberry
Raspberries are among the most popular and easy to grow small fruits for Idaho gardeners. Depending on the variety, the plants adapt well to a range of soil conditions and can be quite cold hardy. Raspberries also come in many varieties. Beware the many diseases that plague raspberries in Idaho conditions.
General care
- Growing raspberries and blackberries in the inland northwest and intermountain west
- Growing small-fruit crops in short-season gardens, BUL868
- Growing small fruits in the home garden, Washington State University (PDF)
- Raspberries and blackberries, Oregon State University (PDF)
- Raspberry cultivars for the pacific northwest, Oregon State University (PDF)
- Small fruits — Idaho Master Gardener handbook chapter 23 (PDF)
- Spring is the time to turn attention to blackberries and raspberries
Soils and fertility
Pruning
Diseases
Pests
Preservation
Rosehip
Roses are well known for they’re beautiful and fragrant blossoms, but roses are also grown for their fruit. Rose hips can reach the size of a golf ball and are loaded with good nutrients. Rose hips are one of the oldest super foods, used by Native Americans and other groups for their healing properties. Rose hips are still found today in health food teas and supplements.
General care
- Basic rose care, Utah State University (PDF)
- Growing small-fruit crops in short-season gardens, BUL868s
- Growing small fruits in the home garden, Washington State University (PDF)
- Hardy roses for harsh climates, BUL874
- Rose care calendar for zones 5-6 (PDF)
- Roses for Utah landscapes, Utah State University (PDF)
- Roses have hips too! Iowa State University
- Small fruits — Idaho Master Gardener handbook chapter 23 (PDF)
Pruning
Diseases
Pests
Preservation
Rowanberry
Rowanberry is the bright orange berry of the mountain ash tree. Known for its unique, bitter taste. Rowan is mostly used as jams and chutneys that accompany game. Rowanberries can be mixed with other berries to make jams or jellies with a more pleasant flavor. Rowanberries are high in tannins and are not usually eaten fresh.
General care
- European mountain ash, Colorado State University
- Growing small-fruit crops in short-season gardens, BUL868
- Growing small fruits in the home garden, Washington State University (PDF)
- Small fruits — Idaho Master Gardener handbook chapter 23 (PDF)
Diseases
Pests
Preservation
Serviceberry
Serviceberries are small purple or blue berries, looking similar to a blueberry or small crabapple. They have pleasant taste and are enjoyed for juice and jams. This may be a good substitute for growing blueberries for those living in regions of Idaho where the soil is too alkaline to grow blueberries.
General care
- Growing saskatoons in the inland northwest and intermountain west, BUL866
- Growing small-fruit crops in short-season gardens, BUL868
- Growing small fruits in the home garden, Washington State University (PDF)
- Serviceberry in the garden, Utah State University (PDF)
- Small fruits — Idaho Master Gardener handbook chapter 23 (PDF)
- Western serviceberry, Washington State University
Diseases
Preservation
Strawberry
Strawberries are one of, if not the most, adaptable fruit crops in the world. These tremendously popular berries are grown from the tropics to near the Arctic Circle. Besides their appeal as fresh fruits, strawberries can be easily processed into jams, jellies, pastries, syrups, fruit leathers and many other tasty treats.
General care
- Growing small-fruit crops in short-season gardens, BUL868
- Growing small fruits in the home garden, Washington State University (PDF)
- Growing strawberries, Utah State University
- Growing strawberries in the inland northwest and intermountain west, BUL810
- Small fruits — Idaho Master Gardener handbook chapter 23 (PDF)
- Strawberry cultivars for the intermountain-west, Utah State University (PDF)
- Strawberries in the garden, Utah State University (PDF)
- Strawberries for the home garden, Utah State University (PDF)