Raspberries

The cultivation of raspberry plants has become increasingly popular in recent years. New raspberry varieties and strategic cultivation methods are making this crop attractive once again. To achieve high-quality results, it is important to select the right variety, use high-quality planting stock, and follow the appropriate production methods. Local conditions and possibilities should also be taken into account. Furthermore, attention should be paid to soil conditions, location, and plant health.

The clear favorites among summer raspberries are Tulameen and Glen Ample. However, fall raspberries have also gained a strong foothold in recent years.

Plugplants

Plugplants: Planting Period: April through June
When cultivating potted green plants, cuttings are planted in growing medium and allowed to root; planting trays are typically used for this purpose. Raspberry plants are delivered with a growing medium ball. This type of plant can be used, for example, to cultivate long-cane plants. Potted plants are also well-suited for growing in open ground.
Planting potted plants can begin in May, though optimal soil preparation should be carried out beforehand. For successful growth, it is important that the plants are no longer exposed to frost and receive an optimal supply of water and nutrients from the start. The cane length should reach 160–180 cm in the year of planting. Weed growth can be effectively controlled by raising the soil into ridges or using plastic mulch. To allow for unrestricted growth, a planting spacing of six plants per meter is recommended. For the best possible results and to protect them from the wind, they should be staked with wire, a bamboo stake, or twine. The side shoots can also be secured with netting or twine.

Long Canes

Potted Long Cane Plants/Container Planting Time: February–March
Long, pre-grown raspberry canes with buds that are approximately 1.60–2.00 m long are referred to as “long canes.” Thanks to the existing buds, a first harvest is possible as early as the year of planting. Commercially available potted long cane plants are supplied in a 1.8-liter pot (container) and usually contain two raspberry canes. To stabilize them, they are trained on a trellis in the year of planting. Once the canes have reached the desired length and the roots are well-developed, they are stored in a cold storage facility as soon as dormancy sets in, similar to “Frigo” plants. The following year, they are ready for cultivation, for example, in a plastic tunnel or under rain covers.
The harvest period begins approximately 9–12 weeks after the plants are set out or planted. The predictable planting date provides a good opportunity for scheduled cultivation, and the desired harvest time can be achieved. When planting, six canes per meter are recommended, which corresponds to three pots, each containing two canes. For raspberry cultivation with long canes, plastic tunnels or rain covers are primarily used.

Please note that the plants are produced only upon order. Propagators need your order by early May so that the desired plants can be delivered the following year.

 

Available Long Cane Varieties:

• Tulameen (summer raspberries)
• Glen Ample (fall raspberries)
• Fall raspberries or blackberries (upon request)

Raspberry Runners

Bare-root runners Planting time: February–March / mid-October–mid-November
These raspberry runners, which become woody after one year, are 50–60 cm long and have a well-developed root system. During winter dormancy, the one-year-old plants are harvested, chilled, and replanted in the fall or spring. This type of plant is suitable for open-field cultivation with limited irrigation. The raspberry plants are planted in a single row, with a spacing of about 40–50 cm within the row, assuming a row spacing of about 3.00 m to 3.50 m. If possible, the plants should be oriented in a north-south direction. To prevent an early start to the harvest, it is recommended to trim the canes to 20–30 cm after planting. Training and pruning during cultivation are important for the successful growth of raspberry canes. However, this is no longer a common cultivation practice.