Growing raspberries: Location, cultivation & neighbors

How to grow raspberries: What you need to know

The raspberry (Rubus idaeus) belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae) and is therefore related not only to blackberries, currants, blueberries and strawberries, but also to many fruit trees such as apple, pear and cherry. Raspberries occur naturally in forests and are considered native to our latitudes.

Botanically, the raspberry is not a berry, it is one of the aggregate drupes. A single berry thus consists of many small, intergrown drupes. Even though the fruits theoretically contain seeds, raspberries are always propagated vegetatively via cuttings and runners. Raspberry plants form creeping runners that eventually detach from the parent plant and continue to grow independently. Depending on the variety, the bushes can grow one to two and a half meters high. New, vigorous canes sprout from the rhizome every year, forming flowers and bearing fruit. The silvery-white underside of the leaves makes it easy to distinguish raspberries from blackberries. Here you can find more information about planting shrubs and fruit trees.

Red, black & yellow raspberries: List of different varieties

Depending on the varieties ripen roundish to elongated raspberries that turn white, pink, dark red or black. Among the cultivated raspberry bushes distinguish two types: Summer and autumn raspberries. Summer raspberries complete their development cycle in two consecutive years. In the first year they form the canes, which bloom only in the following year and bear fruit in early and mid-summer of the second year. Autumn raspberries , on the contrary, complete their development cycle more quickly. They bloom on the young shoots as early as July of the first year and fruit from August to October. The parts of the shoots that have borne fruit subsequently die and can be cut off. The base of the shoots, on the other hand, remains alive, so that with good pruning the shrubs can bear fruit even twice a year. You can find out how to do this in our article Pruning Raspberries.

How to plant raspberries: Location & Soil

Raspberries grow best in sunny and wind-protected locations in the garden, but partial shade is usually not a problem. A loose, humus-rich soil is essential for healthy growth and abundant yields. Very heavy, compacted soils are rather unsuitable for raspberries, as they tend to become waterlogged. On light soils, on the other hand, root and cane diseases occur much less frequently. Soils that are too heavy can be improved by incorporating mature compost and sand. Since raspberries originally come from forests, they tolerate slightly acidic soils with a pH value of 5.5 to 6.

When to plant raspberries: Timing & spacing

The best time for planting raspberries is mainly in the fall from October or in the spring from March to April (only if there is no frost). Planting in the fall has the advantage that the roots can develop well until spring, and then the plants can concentrate on above-ground growth. In this case, better growth and yield can be expected in the first year. When planting in rows, make sure that the distance between the bushes is 40-50 cm.

Planting raspberries: A guide

Dig a hole for each shrub that is about twice the size of the root ball. Mix the excavated soil 1:1 with compost and cover the bottom of the planting hole with part of the nutrient-rich mixture. Now place the young raspberry bush in the planting hole and fill the voids with the remaining soil mixture, creating a small mound. The base buds should be covered with about 5 cm of soil. Press the loose substrate around the raspberry bush properly, so that you prevent irregular, large cavities from forming due to the watering.

Then cover the mound with a mulch layer of straw, grass clippings or bark mulch. Last but not least, water your raspberries with plenty of water. Don't skimp on water here, but use a large watering can per bush and water evenly from all sides. In this way, you will ensure rapid root development and your new raspberry bush can anchor itself optimally in the ground. It is also possible to grow raspberries in large pots on the balcony or terrace, but you should make sure that the pots have sufficient volume. For more information on how to care for raspberries, read our article Care, fertilize & propagate raspberries.

Mixed culture with raspberries: Companion planting

Raspberries always grow in the same place, so all the more care should be taken to ensure a healthy interaction with the plant neighbors. Otherwise, the raspberry bushes will leach the soil unilaterally and become susceptible to diseases and pests in the long run. However, by cleverly choosing neighboring plants for a balanced mixed culture, you can effectively protect your raspberries and thus ensure long-lasting, healthy growth.

Good companion plants for raspberries

Good planting neighbors are various legumes, such as bush beans and peas (low-growing varieties). They do not take away nutrients from the raspberries, on the contrary! The nodule bacteria on their roots fix nitrogen, enriching the soil with the important plant nutrient. If the harvest of legumes comes to an end, the roots should remain in the soil to develop their full effect. Onions and garlic also make good neighboring plants. Garlic in particular, with its essential oils, is effective against all sorts of flies, aphids, beetles and mites, protecting raspberries from infestation. The bulbous plants also form such shallow roots that they hardly come into contact with the raspberry roots.

Decorative and useful companions are also considered ferns and lily of the valley. They not only visually complement the raspberry bed, but also keep away the raspberry beetle and its voracious larvae. When planting ferns, make sure they are 50 cm away from the raspberries so that the plants do not restrict each other. Ferns and lily of the valley are perennial and hardy, so the bed does not need to be replanted every year. Other useful planting neighbors include marigolds, phacelia and yarrow. They bloom beautifully and provide nectar and pollen for many insects. Marigolds also work against harmful nematodes in the soil, so they can indirectly prevent Verticillium wilt. The flowers are also popular in natural medicine and make a great flowery ingredient in herbal teas. Yarrow can also be used in cooking while supporting the fertility of your raspberries. The flowers readily self-seed, so beautiful carpets of blossoms will soon appear.

Bad companion plants in the bed

Bad neighbors are some nightshade plants such as tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants or peppers. They are all susceptible to the dreaded Verticillium wilt, a fungal disease that usually enters the plant via the roots. The spores enter the plant through lesions that may be caused by nematodes, for example. Inside the plant, the pathogen clogs the conduits, causing problems with water transport and thus the typical wilting symptoms. Also, avoid planting your raspberries as successors to these susceptible crops. In addition, other berries such as blackberries, currants and jostaberries don't fit well next to raspberries. These berries do not like it so much when the soil is acidic, unlike the raspberry.

Mixed-cultivation plans for your berry bed with raspberries

For your inspiration, you will find here ready-made bed plans with berries from us: Gooseberries, currants, blueberries, strawberries and raspberries. From large berry gardens to small beds, here you will find what your heart desires. Combine different types of raspberries and berries and you can harvest fresh berries from your garden all year round!

Raspberries: Common diseases

Your raspberry is sick and don't know what disease you are dealing with? Here you get an overview of common raspberry diseases with description. Maybe you will find out what your raspberry bush has. But remember that other factors, such as care and location, can also contribute to plants growing unhealthily. More tips on how to recognize and fight plant diseases can be found here in the article.

Raspberry mosaic virus

Raspberry mosaic virus causes yellow mosaic-like spots to appear on the leaves. The spots are caused by the breakdown of the green pigment chlorophyll, which the plants need for photosynthesis. The yield of infected plants can therefore be up to 70% lower than that of healthy plants. The viruses are usually transmitted via aphids and can no longer be controlled once they have infested the plant. Therefore, make sure to buy only healthy and virus-free planting material, resistant varieties are e.g. 'Autumn Bliss' and 'Golden Bliss'. You should also keep the infestation with aphids as low as possible to prevent transmission.

Raspberry cane disease

Raspberry cane disease is a fungal disease that can be caused by various pathogens. It leads to premature death of the canes and weakens the raspberry plant enormously, so that yield losses are to be expected. The fungi usually penetrate the plant via injuries and become visible in the form of purple-black spots on the canes. Over time, the dark spots spread, so infested shoots should be cut off as soon as possible and disposed of in household waste. When planting, make sure there is adequate spacing between plants so that the stand does not become too dense. Mulching helps keep the soil free of weeds so that the plants are not unnecessarily injured when weeding. Also, keep your raspberries healthy with balanced fertilization and don't overfertilize them.

Verticillium wilt on raspberry bushes

Verticillium wilt is a fungal disease that often occurs in conjunction with long dry periods. The spores usually penetrate the roots via injuries caused by nematodes, for example. In the plant, the pathogen clogs the conduits, causing problems with water transport and thus the typical wilting symptoms. Preventive measures should be taken against this pathogen. Pay attention to a good choice of location, as well as a balanced water and nutrient supply. A clever mixed culture can also help to keep the plants healthy.

Raspberry pests: Raspberry beetle & aphids

In the garden some insects are hanging around, of them actually all insects are important, however, there are some that can harm crops. These insects are called pests. An overview of common plant pests in the garden and how you can prevent and fight them, you get here in the article. Raspberries are often attacked by the raspberry beetle or aphids.

Raspberry Beetle

The raspberry beetle and its larvae can cause significant damage to your raspberry plants. The adult beetles feed on the flower buds and open blossoms from May and lay eggs in them. Only severely deformed fruit or no fruit at all will form from the eaten flowers. The larvae hatch later in the ripening fruit and nibble on the partial fruitlets. These turn brown, harden and deform. Later, the larvae of the brown beetle are often still found in the ripe fruit. Autumn raspberries are usually not infested because they bloom late and the beetle's egg-laying is usually complete by this time. Also, plant your raspberries only in sunny locations and avoid places that are too shady. In addition, mixed cultivation with forget-me-nots is said to have a preventive effect. Remove infested shoots and dispose of them in the household waste. In case of an infestation, it is also recommended to cover the soil under the raspberries with a foil, as this will prevent the falling larvae from burrowing into the soil and pupating. At the time of flight of the beetles can be collected in the morning and evening. Here, too, a cloth should be placed underneath, as the beetles drop easily when disturbed. Combating with chemical agents is strongly discouraged, as these can also harm bees and other beneficial insects.

Aphids

Aphids not only suck the sugary plant sap, but can also transmit viral diseases. In case of minor infestation, the plants can simply be washed off with water. Spraying with a suspension of neem oil over several days is also very effective. In this way, even heavily infested plants can be treated reliably. However, do not wait too long with the treatment, otherwise the risk of secondary infection increases. More tips on how to effectively combat aphids and how you can prevent them can be found here in the article.

Harvesting & preserving raspberries

The classic red raspberry varieties are ready for harvesting as soon as the fruits have taken on a dark red color and can be easily detached from the plant. With yellow raspberries, this is already a little more difficult, because even when fully ripe, they look somehow unripe. Harvest here, too, only fruits that come off easily, without any part of the stem still attached to the raspberry. If the raspberry harvest is in full swing, sometimes you can't even keep up with snacking. Homemade raspberry jam is a nice way to preserve raspberries for a longer time. The basic recipe is quite simple, you just need:

• 1 kg raspberries
• 500 g jam sugar (fruit-sugar ratio 2:1)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Raspberry jam recipe

You can adapt the recipe to the amount of raspberries you have harvested, but pay attention to the ratio between raspberries and sugar. And that's how easy it is:

• Select suitable screw-top jars for your jam and boil them briefly in a saucepan or pour plenty of boiling water over them so that the inside is as germ-free as possible. Place the jars upside down on a fresh kitchen towel to drain, and do not turn them over until you are ready to pour in the jam.
• Pick the raspberries, using only unblemished fruit with no rotten or moldy spots. Rinse them a little as needed and drain them properly.
• Then put the raspberries and lemon juice in a non-stick saucepan and bring the mixture to the boil. Then stir in the preserving sugar and let the jam simmer for about 3 minutes while stirring constantly.
• Finally, pour the still hot jam into the rinsed jars, seal immediately and let the sealed jars cool upside down. Done!

I hope you now have all the important info you need to cultivate your own raspberry bushes in the garden.

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Cover image by Sebbi Strauch on Unsplash.