How to Plant Raspberries

Raspberries are a rewarding fruit to grow at home. With the right preparation and care, these hardy perennials can produce delicious berries year after year. Whether you have space in a garden bed or just a large pot, planting raspberries is straightforward once you know the basics. The key is choosing the right variety for your space and climate, and planting them in a well-prepared spot with good drainage and sunlight.

Summer-Fruiting Raspberries

Summer-fruiting raspberries typically crop from mid-June to early August. They produce berries on the previous year’s canes, meaning pruning and maintenance need to be planned in advance. These varieties tend to grow tall and will benefit from a support structure. They're ideal if you want a large harvest over a shorter period, perfect for making jams or freezing for later use.

Autumn-Fruiting Raspberries

Autumn-fruiting raspberries, on the other hand, are generally easier to manage. They fruit on the current season’s growth, usually from August through to October. This makes pruning simpler, as all canes are cut down after fruiting. They don’t grow quite as tall as summer types and are a good option for beginners or smaller gardens. The fruiting window is longer, although the overall yield per plant may be a bit less.

How Many Raspberry Varieties Are There

There are dozens of raspberry varieties, each with its own flavour, size, colour, and growth habit. The main categories are summer and autumn-fruiting, but within those, you’ll find early, mid, and late cropping types. Some varieties are bred for disease resistance or compact growth, making them ideal for containers or less-than-ideal soil. Colour variations like yellow and purple raspberries are also available, though red remains the most common.

What and Where to Buy

Raspberry canes are widely available from garden centres, plant nurseries and reputable online retailers. It's important to buy certified disease-free canes to avoid common issues like root rot or raspberry beetle. Bare-root canes are most common and economical, but potted plants can also be purchased if planting outside the usual season.

How Do You Choose the Right Raspberry to Plant

Choosing the right raspberry comes down to your available space, when you want to harvest, and how much maintenance you're comfortable with. If you have plenty of room and want a big summer harvest, go for a summer-fruiting type. If you want lower-maintenance and a longer picking season, opt for an autumn-fruiting variety. Compact or dwarf types work best in containers or small spaces.

When Is Best to Plant Raspberries

The best time to plant bare-root raspberry canes is between November and March, while the plants are dormant. Avoid planting in frozen or waterlogged ground. If you're using potted plants, these can be planted anytime from spring to early autumn, but they’ll need more regular watering in warmer months until established.

Where Should You Plant Raspberries

Raspberries prefer a sunny, sheltered spot with fertile, well-drained soil. Avoid areas where other berries or potatoes have grown recently to reduce the risk of disease. A slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal. Good airflow around the plants helps prevent fungal issues, but avoid overly exposed locations which can damage the canes.

Can You Plant Raspberries in Containers

Yes, raspberries can be grown successfully in containers, especially compact or dwarf varieties. Use a large pot, at least 40cm in diameter, and fill it with a loam-based compost mixed with perlite or grit for drainage. Regular feeding and watering are essential, as container-grown plants dry out more quickly and have limited nutrients.

Watering and Feeding

Raspberries need consistent watering, particularly in dry spells and while fruiting. Water at the base of the plant to prevent disease on the leaves. In spring, apply a general-purpose fertiliser to promote growth. Mulching with well-rotted manure or compost in early spring will also help retain moisture and feed the soil naturally.

Caring for the Raspberry Plant

Routine care is minimal but important. Keep the area around the canes free of weeds, which compete for nutrients. Check regularly for signs of pests like aphids or raspberry beetle. Remove any damaged or weak growth early in the season to help airflow and reduce the risk of fungal disease.

Mulching

Mulching helps conserve moisture, suppress weeds and improve soil quality. Apply a thick layer of organic mulch such as compost, bark chips or straw around the base of the plants each spring. Keep the mulch a few centimetres away from the canes themselves to avoid rotting.

Do Raspberries Grow Tall

Yes, most raspberry varieties grow between 1.5 to 2 metres tall. Summer-fruiting types tend to be taller and more vigorous than autumn-fruiting ones. The height makes them ideal for growing along fences or in rows where they can be easily trained and harvested.

Do They Need Supporting with Canes

Support is essential for most raspberry varieties. Use posts and horizontal wires or a simple trellis system to keep canes upright. This prevents damage from wind, makes harvesting easier, and improves airflow through the plants. Autumn varieties are generally self-supporting but will still benefit from light support in exposed sites.

Pruning

Pruning depends on the type of raspberry you're growing. Summer-fruiting raspberries should have their fruited canes cut down to the ground after harvest, leaving the new green canes for next year’s crop. Autumn-fruiting raspberries are simpler—cut all canes back to soil level in late winter or early spring. Regular pruning keeps plants healthy and productive.

Soil Preparation Matters

Before planting, dig in plenty of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure. Raspberries hate sitting in soggy soil, so if drainage is an issue, consider raised beds. Avoid overly rich soil though—it can encourage too much leafy growth at the expense of fruit.

Spacing Is Crucial

Give raspberries room to breathe. For summer-fruiting types, space canes about 40cm apart in rows that are 1.5 to 2 metres apart. Autumn-fruiting types can be spaced a bit closer. Good spacing helps prevent fungal problems and makes harvesting easier.

Don’t Plant Too Deep

When planting bare-root canes, place them so that the top of the root system is just below the soil surface. Planting too deep can lead to rotting. Firm in the soil around the roots and water well after planting.

Expect a Light First Harvest

In the first year after planting, you won’t get a full crop. Most of the plant's energy will go into establishing roots. By the second year, yields will increase significantly. Be patient—it’s worth the wait.

Pest Watch

Birds love raspberries as much as people do. Netting can help protect ripening fruit. Watch for common pests like raspberry beetles, which leave brown patches on berries, and use horticultural fleece or organic sprays if needed.

Companion Planting

Planting raspberries near garlic, chives, or marigolds can help repel aphids and beetles. Avoid planting too close to potatoes, tomatoes, or strawberries, which can spread soil-borne diseases.