Raspberries - Key Growing Information

A patch of dormant raspberry plants in winter; characteristically, its biennial canes are vegetative the 1st year and produce fruit the 2nd year.

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Rubus spp.

CULTURE:

Raspberries perform best in full sun, with good air movement and fertile, very well-drained soil. Raised beds are an option if your site is poorly drained. Raspberries prefer soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.

PLANTING:

Adequate spacing is important for best yields. Beds should be 2' wide, with paths between the beds a minimum of 8' wide. Space plants 18-24" apart in the row. For bare-root plants, spread the roots laterally from the stem and cover roots with 1/2-1" soil. For plug plants, transplant plugs deeply enough to cover plug soil with 1/2-1" garden soil. Irrigate well after transplanting and maintain good moisture levels until plants are well-established or for 4-6 weeks after transplanting.
Proper soil moisture is important during the establishment-year and drip irrigation is the best method. Mulch to keep the soil evenly moist and to prevent weeds. Our Raspberry Planting Guide, included with each order, explains pruning and trellising, and contains information on specific diseases.

HARVEST:

Beginning the 2nd year for Summer-Fruiting varieties. Everbearing varieties will bear a small crop during their 1st year. Raspberries for fresh eating are almost always harvested by hand, as they do not ripen uniformly enough to machine harvest. Keep berries cool after harvest.

SPECS:

Approx. 50 plants/100' row, or 3,630 plants/acre at 24" spacing, rows 8' apart.