How to Grow Raspberries: A Detailed Guide

Raspberries are a delightful addition to any home garden, offering not only delicious fruit but also beautiful foliage and flowers. Whether you're a new gardener or an experienced green thumb, growing raspberries can be a rewarding activity.

Let us help you with our advice if you want to learn how to grow raspberries. We discuss everything raspberry-related here, including planting, tending, and harvesting!

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How and When to Plant Raspberries

Raspberry is a cane plant and can be planted outside from November to the following March, if the ground is not too hard to dig. They work best as bare canes, cut back during the spring.  

You can purchase bare-root canes which are available when the plant is dormant or canes in containers, which are more readily available. Different varieties will produce different colours of raspberries, most commonly a range of red, pink and purple shades however it is also possible to get some which are yellow and black.

It is best to plant your raspberry canes when the cane is dormant during the winter months - usually November to March depending on your location. You can also consider planting a mix of early, mid-season, and late-season varieties to enjoy a prolonged harvest throughout the summer.

Before planting raspberry bushes, make sure to choose the right variety for your climate and soil conditions. Raspberries thrive in well-drained soil, and while they prefer full sun, they can still tolerate partial shade.

A sunny but sheltered spot to avoid  the wind is ideal and there is no need to plant too deeply, raspberries' roots grow as runners underneath the soil. Raspberry canes should be spaced apart to allow room for growth, however close enough for them to offer each other support and shelter if required. Some varieties may require additional support as they can grow very tall.

How to Take Care of a Raspberry Plant

When choosing the best place to grow raspberries, don’t overlook the type of soil you use. They do not like very wet or chalky soil, as it can cause root rot. Slightly acidic soil is best and it is recommended that you add some fish blood and bone meal into the compost as well as mulch.

Raspberries can be affected by a range of pests and diseases, so it is important to keep an eye on them.  One of the main problems is the birds stealing the fruit, you may want to use a fruit cage to keep them protected. 

Regularly inspect your raspberry plants for signs of aphids, spider mites, or powdery mildew. Quickly treat any issues to prevent them from spreading and damaging your crop.

You also need to provide proper support for your raspberry canes as they grow. Install trellises or stakes to keep the canes upright and prevent them from sprawling on the ground. During the growing season, ensure that your raspberry plants receive adequate water, especially during dry spells, so they are healthy and produce more fruits.

You can also thin out overcrowded canes to improve airflow and give them more sunlight, which helps reduce the risk of disease and promotes larger, sweeter berries. Moreover, don’t forget to regularly prune your raspberry bushes and remove dead or diseased canes to encourage the growth of new ones.

Any pruning and thinning out of young canes should be carried out during the dormant months of winter to early spring. Some rogue roots can be pulled up to keep control of your raspberries, but avoid weed killers, as they can attack the main plant. Only use the best fertiliser for raspberries.

When and How to Harvest Raspberries

If you are wondering when to pick raspberries, the tips given here will be helpful!

To ensure a continuous harvest throughout the season, check your raspberry bushes regularly for ripe fruit. Harvest ripe raspberries by gently pulling them from the stem, being careful not to damage the delicate fruit.

There are many varieties to choose from but two main types are - summer fruiting and autumn fruiting. With summer fruiting you will harvest a bounty of fruit from early summer or with autumn fruiting, this will start from late summer going into the autumn. Both raspberry plants will give you a plentiful crop.

The variety and type of your raspberry canes will determine when the cane produces fruit. You may get a smaller crop in the first year or have to wait until the following year for fruit.

You will see beautiful, plump fruit that is easy to pull off when they are ripened. The stem and core remain on the plant. Pick your raspberries regularly and eat fresh after washing or store them using our tips below.

When harvesting raspberries, it's essential to pick them at their peak ripeness for the best flavour and texture. Avoid letting the berries overripen on the bush, as they may become mushy and less tasty.

If you have multiple raspberry plants or you’re growing raspberries indoors, plan to harvest them every few days as new berries ripen. With proper harvesting techniques, you can enjoy a bountiful raspberry harvest all summer long.

Common Problems with Growing Raspberries in the UK

Growing raspberries in the UK often comes with various challenges for gardeners.

• Firstly, unpredictable weather, including excessive rain and sudden temperature fluctuations, can affect the plant’s growth and increase its chances of getting diseases like root rot and powdery mildew.
• Pests such as raspberry beetles and spider mites can also harm the plant, damaging the foliage and reducing the yield.
• Moreover, if you haven’t drained the soil properly and pH levels aren’t balanced, it can stunt your plant’s development and lead to nutrient deficiencies.
• Overcrowding and insufficient pruning may also result in poor airflow, which can lead to fungal infections.

To prevent these issues, you need to monitor your plant, properly prepare the soil, and find the best ways to get rid of pests before they destroy all the hard work you’ve put into planting raspberry bushes.

Popular Raspberry Varieties

There are numerous raspberry varieties that exist due to different climates, tastes, and growing conditions.

• Among the most popular are the 'Autumn Bliss' and 'Autumn Britten,' which are prized for their late-season harvests and sweet, juicy berries.
• 'Tulameen' is renowned for its exceptionally large, flavourful fruit.
• 'Glen Ample' can grow large quantities of fruit and is disease-resistant.
• For those seeking a heritage variety, 'Malling Jewel' is loved for its classic raspberry flavour and reliable performance.
• 'Joan J' stands out for its thornless canes, making harvesting incredibly easy.

Overall, each variety offers unique characteristics, and while growing raspberries for beginners isn’t easy, the key is to select the perfect raspberry for your needs and preferences.

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How to Store Raspberries

After picking raspberries, avoid washing them until you’re ready to eat them, as moisture can cause mould growth. Instead, spread them in a single layer on a paper towel-lined tray and refrigerate.

They can be kept in a fridge for approximately 2-3 days. You will hopefully have a bumper crop and you can freeze them too. To freeze them, spread them out laying down flat to avoid them getting squished!  

Don’t keep them in airtight containers as they trap moisture. Make sure to consume your raspberries within a few days for the best flavour and texture.

If you’re planning to keep them longer, arrange the berries in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze them until firm, and then transfer them to a freezer bag.

The Different Ways to Use Raspberries

There is an abundance of uses for raspberries from fresh fruit with ice cream to jams, many desserts and juices.

You can enjoy them fresh as a nutritious snack, or elevate breakfasts by topping cereals, yoghurt, or pancakes. You can also blend them into smoothies for a burst of flavour and antioxidants.

In baking, raspberries add sweetness and moisture to muffins, cakes, and tarts. They also work well in desserts like pies and crumbles, complementing rich flavours with their tartness.

For a refreshing twist, you could infuse raspberries into beverages like cocktails or flavoured water. Their vibrant colour and tangy taste also make them a favourite ingredient in sauces and salad dressings.

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