Allen Black Raspberry Plant

Allen Black Raspberry is a cross between two of the most respected black raspberry varieties ever grown — Bristol and Cumberland — bred to combine the best traits of both into a single outstanding plant. The result is a large, firm, glossy, richly sweet black raspberry that ripens in July with the kind of deep, aromatic flavor that makes black raspberries so prized for fresh eating, preserves, and baking. Cold hardy in Zones 4–8, disease resistant, vigorous, and self-pollinating — Allen is a standout choice for home gardeners who want reliable, high-quality black raspberries every year.

Bristol × Cumberland — The Best of Two Legends

Allen’s parentage is its story. Bristol has long been one of the most highly regarded black raspberries for its superior fruit quality and cold hardiness. Cumberland earned its place as a reliable, productive classic over generations of home and farm growing. Allen was bred to bring those strengths together — and delivers on both with large, firm, glossy fruit, exceptional sweet flavor, strong disease resistance, and the cold tolerance that makes it perform dependably in northern gardens year after year.

Large, Firm, Richly Sweet July Berries

Allen’s fruit is genuinely outstanding. The large, glossy black berries are firm and juicy with an aromatic, rich sweetness that represents black raspberry flavor at its best — deeply satisfying fresh, exceptional in preserves and jams, and outstanding baked into pies and desserts. July ripening puts them at the heart of summer berry season, and consistent annual production means you can count on a generous harvest from established plants every year.

Important Planting Notes

After planting bare-root canes, prune them back to about 2 inches above the ground. This is a critical step that encourages the roots to send up strong new growth — don’t skip it. New growth will emerge from the ground nearby rather than from the original cane, which is normal raspberry behavior as the root system sends up new shoots.

Note: Do not plant red, gold, or purple raspberries within 75–100 feet of black raspberries, as black raspberries can be more susceptible to viral diseases spread by aphids moving between nearby plants.

Why Growers Choose Allen

• Bristol × Cumberland cross — bred from two of the most respected black raspberry varieties
• Large, firm, glossy black fruit — exceptional size and quality for a black raspberry
• Rich, aromatic sweet flavor — outstanding fresh, preserved, and baked
• Cold hardy in Zones 4–8 — reliable performance in northern gardens
• Disease resistant — lower-maintenance growing with consistent annual yields
• Self-pollinating — productive with just one planting