Raspberries are extremely adaptable to different climatic conditions and thrive in lowlands and mountainous areas. However, they have greater demands on soil and local conditions.
Location and Soil
Raspberries are best suited to a sunny location, but also thrive in semi-shade, although they produce fewer fruits there. They require soils with sufficient nutrients, humus, and soil moisture. In dry soils they grow poorly and produce only small fruits. In contrast, in waterlogged soils the shoots often die.
The root system of raspberries is concentrated in the upper part of the soil
Raspberries are shallow-rooted plants. Most of the roots are found at a depth of up to 20 cm, so before planting, the soil must be compacted to a depth of at least 30 cm. Even before that, we recommend spreading granulated cow manure or compost and phosphorus-potassium fertilizer. Work them into the entire topsoil profile, as they are not very mobile in the soil. Nitrogen fertilizers then need only be applied to the surface during vegetation, because they are washed away. Raspberries drain a significant amount of nutrients from the soil every year. Fertilize in early spring with a combined dose of organic and mineral fertilizer designed for raspberries. Work the fertilizers into the soil so as not to damage the shallow roots.
Planting raspberries
Raspberries are planted at a distance of 40 to 60 cm in a row, with individual rows of plants about 1.2 to 1.5 meters apart. This spacing is important to ensure the plants are well-ventilated and receive sufficient light. After planting, the shoots must be shortened to a length of 25 - 30 cm to encourage rooting. After planting, keep the soil around the plants weed-free, a layer of bark mulch is suitable, which also prevents water evaporation. Potted raspberries can be planted throughout the growing season. If you miss the spring planting date, you can also plant in summer. The lifespan of a well-established stand is 6 - 8 years.
For hearty crops of big berries, prune raspberries annually
There are two main types of raspberries - summer fruiters and autumn (remontant) fruiters.
Summer fruiting raspberries bear fruit once a season on two-year-old canes (floricanes) from July to September.
Autumn fruiting (remontant) raspberries bear fruit twice a season. The first time on two-year-old canes (floricanes) in July and the second time on first year canes (primocanes) from August to late autumn. After fruiting, the shoots die and their productive life is over.
How to prune floricane bearing, summer fruiting raspberries
After harvesting before winter, cut all the floricanes at ground level. This will lighten the growth, allow new shoots to develop optimally and prevent the possible spread of fungal diseases. Thin the remaining primocanes out. We want to ensure that only the strongest and tallest healthy canes remain in the raspberry stand. It is optimal to leave about 6 well-developed canes per plant so that each cane has enough space for light penetration and good airflow. Attach the canes to a support.
How to prune remontant, twice-fruiting raspberries
There are two methods of pruning. The simplest one focuses only on the autumn crop on primocanes. The second method includes both summer and autumn crop.
Pruning only for the autumn crop.
After the harvest is finished before the arrival of winter, cut all canes at ground level.
Pruning for the summer and autumn crop.
Spring pruning - in March or April, when there is no longer any threat of severe frost, remove all dead, weak and thin canes that will not bear fruit.
Autumn pruning - after the fruit harvest in autumn, remove all canes that have already borne fruit. Select the strongest primocanes and cut them back by about a third. These will give a summer crop next year. Prune the remaining canes to the ground - stagger these throughout the row to create space for your next autumn crop to come through.
Resistant Varieties
There are raspberry varieties available commercially that are resistant to many viral and fungal diseases. When purchasing raspberries, you should make sure to choose such varieties.
