Raspberries

Planting

Raspberries are tall vining plants that generally need support. They may be grown in rows or clustered around a central stake.

Good-drainage is EXTREMELY important for raspberries. Raspberries need EXCELLENT drainage. In the Willamette valley the best way to ensure healthy raspberries is to put them in a raised bed. Raspberries are prone to disease if they are kept too moist.

Plant raspberries one foot deep, two feet apart and with 6 feet in between rows. Cut them to 2 inches tall after planting, this allows for root development and vigorous shoot development.

Fertilizing

Fertilize raspberries in mid-spring and again right after harvest. Use a well-balanced fertilizer, a vegetable or all-purpose fertilizer works best; follow package instructions.

Pruning

There are three types of raspberries and they require different pruning styles. Most raspberries require support. Posts 6 feet apart with horizontal wires at 2 and 4 feet generally work best.

Blackcaps: Prune after harvest. Remove old stems (brittle, or pale tan colored) at ground level. Thin the remaining canes lightly – blackcaps do not sucker like other raspberries. Prune a few inches off the tips of the remaining canes.

Everbearing: Everbearing raspberries require pruning in two cycles. In the FALL prune off the fruiting portion of the cane (roughly 1 foot). In the EARLY SUMMER after your first harvest, prune the fruiting cane to the ground. While you’re pruning thin the suckers to roughly 6 inches apart. This is also a good time to prune your raspberries to keep them within the boundaries of your bed.

Spring Bearing: Remove all fruit bearing canes right after harvest to ground level. Thin canes to about 6 inches apart and trim suckers to keep them with in boundaries. In the FALL cut a few inches off the tips that are remaining.

Pest and Disease Control

Raspberries are prone to several types of fungal disease. The key to preventing fungal disease is to make sure that your raspberries are in soil with Excellent Drainage. Pruning raspberries is another way to prevent disease. Dormant sprays of lime sulfur and copper may offer additional protection, this is generally done in late winter or early spring.

See a list of Raspberry Varieties.

Download a complete information sheet on raspberries, including raspberry varieties.