Jewel Black Raspberry
Rubus occidentalis 'Jewel'
A premium black raspberry variety developed by Cornell University, prized for its exceptional sweet-tart flavor and firm, glossy berries. Jewel produces abundant crops of large, jet-black fruits that hold their shape beautifully for fresh eating or baking. This hardy variety offers excellent disease resistance and reliable harvests that make it a favorite among home gardeners.
Harvest
60-70d
Days to harvest
Sun
Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
Zones
4–8
USDA hardiness
Height
3-6 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Jewel Black Raspberry in USDA Zone 7
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Jewel Black Raspberry · Zones 4–8
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in., Width: 4 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.. Soil: High Organic Matter. Drainage: Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 4 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
This compound drupe is initially white, later becomes red, and finally turns black-purple when it is mature. Each drupe consists of multiple drupelets, each drupelet containing a single seed. Fruits are available June-July.
Color: Black, Red/Burgundy. Type: Drupe. Length: < 1 inch.
Harvest time: Summer
Bloom time: Spring, Summer
Edibility: The fleshy fruits are sweet and slightly tart in flavor; they detach cleanly and easily from their receptacles. Excellent flavor.
Storage & Preservation
Fresh Jewel black raspberries keep best unwashed in the refrigerator for 3-5 days when stored in shallow containers lined with paper towels. Never wash berries until ready to eat, as moisture accelerates spoilage. For optimal flavor, allow refrigerated berries to come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
For long-term storage, freeze berries individually on parchment-lined baking sheets for 2-3 hours, then transfer to freezer bags. This prevents clumping and maintains Jewel's distinctive firm texture when thawed. Frozen berries retain quality for up to 12 months.
Jewel's intense flavor and natural pectin content make it exceptional for jam-making—the berries hold their shape beautifully in preserves. Dehydrate at 135°F for 12-18 hours to create intensely flavored dried berries perfect for trail mixes and baking. The variety's complex wine-like notes also make it excellent for fruit wines and vinegars.
History & Origin
Jewel black raspberry was developed by Cornell University's renowned fruit breeding program in Geneva, New York, and released in 1973 after nearly two decades of careful selection and testing. The variety emerged from Cornell's mission to create black raspberries that could withstand the challenging growing conditions of the Northeast while delivering superior fruit quality for both commercial and home production.
Dr. Donald Ourecky, Cornell's principal small fruit breeder, developed Jewel through crosses involving Bristol black raspberry and other advanced selections, specifically targeting improvements in disease resistance, winter hardiness, and fruit size. The breeding program focused on creating varieties that could compete with the legendary but disease-prone Cumberland variety that had dominated black raspberry production since the early 1900s.
Jewel quickly gained recognition among commercial growers in New York, Pennsylvania, and Michigan for its reliable production and excellent shipping quality. Home gardeners embraced the variety for its manageable growth habit and exceptional fresh-eating quality. Today, Jewel remains one of the most recommended black raspberry varieties for northern climates, representing Cornell's lasting contribution to American fruit breeding excellence.
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Heat
- +Wildlife value: This plant provides nectar for pollinators. Excellent cover for small mammals and birds. Blooms attract pollinators. Fruits are eaten by songbirds, mammals, and black bears. During the winter, birds and small mammals eat the seeds left from rotted fruit. Dead stems are used by stem-nesting bees.
- +Edible: The fleshy fruits are sweet and slightly tart in flavor; they detach cleanly and easily from their receptacles. Excellent flavor.
- +Fast-growing
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Garlic
Repels aphids, spider mites, and other pests while improving soil health
Chives
Natural fungicide properties help prevent powdery mildew and other fungal diseases
Marigolds
Repel nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial predatory insects
Tansy
Deters ants, mice, and flying insects that can damage berries
Comfrey
Deep taproot brings nutrients to surface, acts as dynamic accumulator for potassium
Nasturtiums
Trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, adds nitrogen to soil
Yarrow
Attracts beneficial insects and improves soil nutrients through deep root system
Rue
Strong scent repels many insect pests and small mammals
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone which is toxic to raspberry plants and inhibits growth
Tomatoes
Share verticillium wilt disease and compete for similar nutrients
Wild Cherry
Attracts same pests and can harbor diseases that affect raspberry plants
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #2346410)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good resistance to anthracnose and powdery mildew
Common Pests
Japanese beetles, raspberry crown borer, aphids, spider mites
Diseases
Cane blight, verticillium wilt, root rot in poorly drained soils