When should I plant raspberry canes?

November to March in the dormant season — bare-root canes are cheaper, establish better, and arrive by post when the season is right. Pot-grown canes can be planted year-round but they're more expensive and don't catch up to bare-root by the following summer.

What's the difference between summer-fruiting and autumn-fruiting raspberries?

Summer-fruiting fruit on canes that grew last year (biennial canes); harvest June–July; bigger fruit, classic flavour; prune by cutting fruited canes after harvest. Autumn-fruiting fruit on canes that grew this year (annual canes); harvest August–October; smaller fruit but a longer picking season; prune by cutting everything to the ground in February. Autumn types are easier to manage.

How do I prune raspberries?

Depends on type. Summer-fruiting: after harvest, cut fruited canes (look brown and woody) to ground level; tie new green canes to the wires for next year. Autumn-fruiting: in February, cut all canes to ground level — the plant pushes up fresh canes that fruit the same year. Confusion is the commonest reason for poor crops; identify your variety before pruning.

My raspberries are spreading everywhere — how do I control them?

Raspberries spread by underground suckers and can become invasive. Bury a barrier (sunk paving slabs or pond liner) around the row 30 cm deep to stop lateral spread. Dig out unwanted suckers regularly through summer. Containers work for autumn-fruiting types (40-litre pots) but limit yield.

How long do raspberry plants last?

10–12 years from a single planting if well-mulched and properly pruned. After that, productivity drops and viruses build up; replace by buying new certified canes (don't transplant your own — virus carries over).

How do I store a glut of raspberries?

Freeze flat on a tray (single layer, no contact), then bag once frozen — they keep separate. Use within 12 months. Jam and freezing are the two main paths; raspberry vinegar is a delicate alternative. Fresh raspberries last 2–3 days in the fridge if dry; never wash until you eat them.

Framboise

Rubus idaeus

Plantez les tiges de framboisiers entre novembre et mars, pendant la période de dormance : les tiges à racines nues sont moins chères que celles en pot et s'enracinent mieux. Les framboisiers sont très résistants (RHS H6) et supportent sans problème les hivers britanniques. Plantez-les à 45 cm les uns des autres, en rangées espacées de 1,8 m, dans un sol humide, fertile et légèrement acide, en plein soleil ou à mi-ombre. Les variétés à fructification estivale (Glen Ample, Tulameen) produisent des fruits sur les tiges de l'année précédente — attachez les nouvelles pousses dès leur apparition. Les variétés à fructification automnale (Autumn Bliss, Polka) produisent des fruits sur les tiges de l'année en cours — coupez tout au ras du sol en février. Installez un filet anti-oiseaux à partir de juin. Les deux types produisent abondamment pendant 10 à 12 ans à partir d'une seule plantation ; ce sont les fruits rouges les plus faciles à cultiver au Royaume-Uni.

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