Growing Raspberries!
Overview
Jump To Table of ContentsSummer Bearing
These varieties carry one crop of berries on the over-wintering canes during the summer months. Plants begin fruiting in early summer, and the season lasts approximately 4-5 weeks. More than one type of Summer Bearing (Early Season, Midseason, Late season, etc) will be needed to have fruit for the full 5 weeks. The plants may begin fruiting in June or July, depending on the zone and the seasonal weather.
Everbearing (Fall Bearing)
These varieties produce two crops: the largest is borne in the late summer/early fall on the tips of canes that grew through out the summer. A second crop is then carried lower on those same canes early the next summer. To have two crops, the planting must be pruned as a summer bearer.
Most everbearers will produce the best crop if NOT allowed to fruit in early summer. We recommend this approach.
Steps to Success
Jump To Table of ContentsStep 1 – Plan your Space
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Red and Yellow Raspberry Plant Spacing
Dig a narrow trench down the center of a 2 foot row, with the roots trailing along the trench.
Plants should be spaced 18-24" apart.
Rows should be 8'-12' apart.
After 6-8 weeks, new canes will grow up from the roots.
When planting becomes mature, cut or mow any canes that grow outside of the original two foot wide row.
Step 2 – Prepare your Planting Area
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Preparing your planting area for Red and Yellow Raspberries
Raspberries grow best in well-drained loam or sandy-loam soil, rich in organic matter. If organic matter is required, mix in some well-aged compost or manure a few weeks prior to planting or in the Autumn prior to planting.
rain, or if you have heavier soil or clay soil.
Mix ½ lb - ¾ lb 10-10-10 per 100 sq. ft. at least
2 - 3 weeks prior to planting or the Fall prior to planting.
Trellising is advised for all bramble crops!
at planting and throughout the growing season.
Step 3 – Plant your Raspberries
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Step 4 – Harvest your Raspberries
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Step 5 – Maintain your Raspberry Plants
Jump To Table of ContentsIRRIGATION
- 1" – 2" rainfall or equivalent per week throughout the growing season.
FERTILIZATION
- Side–dress the row(s) with ¾ lb – 1 lb of 10–10–10 per 100 sq ft in the Spring Commercial growers should use 500 lbs per acre or fertilize according to soil test.
- Occasionally test your pH and make amendments to keep the soil pH between 6.0–6.5.
- Do not fertilize in the fall.
WEED CONTROL
- Regular cultivation is necessary during growing the season.
- Roots are shallow–don’t cultivate more than an inch deep.
- Contact your local extension for chemical recommendations.
- We do not recommend mulching your raspberry plants after the establishment year.
TRELLIS
- We strongly recommend keeping plants supported by a trellis.
PRUNING
Ever–bearing (Fall–bearing) varieties
- To have one highly productive Fall crop, mow or cut all canes to the ground in the early Winter or early Spring while the plants are dormant. Always leave as little stub as possible.
- To produce an earlier crop as well as a Fall crop, prune as a Summer-bearing variety.
Summer-bearing varieties
- After harvest, cut canes that fruited at the base of the plant. Leave as little stub as possible.
- Cut weak damaged or diseased canes at the base.
- Cut more canes if needed to leave 6–8 canes per running foot of row.
Click to print PDF of the Raspberry Steps to Success
Planting Summary
Jump To Table of ContentsSpacing
- 18"–24" for reds and yellows; 20"–24" for blacks
- Recommend 8’–12’ between rows depending on machinery
Irrigation
- Soak in water using Agri-gel™ for 1–2 hrs before planting except for TC plugs
- Water thoroughly after planting
- 1"–2" rainfall or equivalent per week
Fertilization
- Before planting add ½–¾ lb of 10–10–10 per 100 sq ft
- Commercial growers should use 500 lbs per acre
- An additional 1lb of 10–10–10 per 100 sq ft can be applied in July or August and in early spring in following years
- pH: 6.0–6.5
Weed Control
- Regular cultivation is necessary during growing season
- Roots are shallow – don’t cultivate more than an inch deep
- Mulching during establishments can help control weeds
- Contact a local extension for chemical recommendations
Trellis
- We suggest plants are supported by a T-trellis
Video Guides
Jump To Table of ContentsOur videos are written and produced by Nate Nourse and are aimed at your success. You'll find all our Video Learning Guides in our Video Library.
How to Plant
Raspberries
How to Plant Blackberry and Black Raspberry Plants
Digging and Packing Nursery Mature Plants
Making Nursery-Mature Plants
Quick Tips
Jump To Table of ContentsHealthy berry plants require these important elements:
- Early planting! Plant as early as possible in the spring. Snow or occasional frost will not hurt most new plants (green tissue culture plants excepted), and spring rains will foster growth. Planting in the fall is not recommended in the Northeast and Midwest.
- A sunny, weed-free location with at least a half-day of sunlight.
- Clean beds that are frequently weeded.
- Well-drained soil. For poor drainage conditions, consider raised beds.
- Proper soil pH. Matching soil pH to plant requirements can be a huge factor in your success. Sample the soil before planting and contact your local cooperative extension office for assistance.
- Crop rotation. Avoid planting strawberries or raspberries in soils where previous crops have included strawberries, raspberries, potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant or peppers. These crops may harbor the soil pathogens Verticillium, Phytophthora and nematodes and may affect your new plants.
- Irrigation. Maintain proper moisture levels throughout the season and, most importantly, during the establishment period. Drip irrigation is imperative when planting in raised beds.
Avoid Common Mistakes
- Read free planting guide 1-3 months before planting.
- Plants will fail to flourish if roots are too deep or too shallow.
- Pack soil firmly around the roots.
- Do not plant near wild plants or plants whose origins are unknown.
- Water well one to three times a week, not every day.
- Avoid fertilizer burn by fertilizing only after plants are established.
- Do not soak plants in water more than 1 hour!