Blackberry Dwarf Purple Opal

februarysgirl

Does anyone have any experience with this variety? I bought it a couple of years ago but the fruit on it is far from sweet even though the description says it is. It's been in my raised bed with a nearby Victoria Plum as well as some perennials and annuals. I did give it some manure last spring and it fruited quite well but the berries are so sharp. This year I'm going to be putting it in a large container by itself but I would like some fruit that doesn't make me wince! Is there something else I should be doing?

Fairygirl

That's a drag @februarysgirl! Not something I grow at all- I just pick the wild brambles in autumn. 
I wonder if it's down to that awkward mix of weather we've had over the last couple of years? The wild ones are often sharper if they don't have plenty of moisture as well as sun at the right time, and I noticed that last year as we had a very hot summer, and rainfall was a bit lower than usual.
 
Someone will be able to help - I'm sure. At least my reply bumps your query up a bit. 

JennyJ

I haven't grown it, but is it getting enough sun to fully ripen the fruit?

Taste is also quite subjective so what's sharp to you might be sweet to whoever writes the sales blurbs, plus no-one's going to say that the fruits are sour if they want to sell any. From what I can see, that variety has been bred to be short/compact so it's possible that the breeders prioritised size and habit over flavour.

februarysgirl

@Fairygirl The weather was a bit bonkers last year so it wouldn't surprise me if that was a factor.

@JennyJ My garden is south facing, most definitely enough sun. It did cross my mind that sweet might be subjective, God only knows what that'd be compared to! I think a retailer would describe it as a tart flavour 😂

Buttercupdays

Perfect for blackberry tart then. Just sweeten to taste