Raspberry

Rubus idaeus · Tree/Shrub

Quick answer: Water: Every 3–4 days in summer, more while fruiting (estimated); 1–1.5 in per week from flowering to harvest. Light: Full sun, at least 6 hours. Soil: Well-drained, rich in organic matter, pH 5.5–6.5. Pets: Raspberry plants are not listed as toxic to cats and dogs. Thorny canes can scratch, and eating many berries may upset the stomach; if in doubt, ask your vet.

A cane fruit that gives generous harvests from a small space. Summer-bearing types fruit on last year's canes, while autumn-bearing types fruit on new growth, which makes pruning simpler. A row of plants can produce for 10 years or more.

💧WaterEvery 3–4 days in summer, more while fruiting (estimated)

☀️LightFull sun, 6+ hours

🐾PetsNon-toxic to pets

Care at a glance

Light: Full sun, at least 6 hours
Water: 1–1.5 in per week from flowering to harvest
Soil: Well-drained, rich in organic matter, pH 5.5–6.5
Temperature: Hardy to about -20 °F depending on variety (estimated)
Spacing: 24–30 in in the row, 6–8 ft between rows (estimated)
Container: At least 10 gallons, 16 in deep (estimated)
Harvest: Summer or autumn, from the second year (estimated)
Lifespan: Perennial; canes live 2 years, plants 10+ years

When?

Plant bare-root canes in early spring while dormant, or potted plants from spring to early autumn. Avoid sites where tomatoes, potatoes or peppers grew recently, as they share soil diseases.

Step by step

Choose a sunny, sheltered spot and dig in plenty of compost.
Plant canes so the roots sit just below the surface, no deeper than before.
Cut newly planted canes back to about 10 in to encourage new shoots (estimated).
Put up a post-and-wire support for summer-bearing types.
Mulch with 2–3 in of bark or compost to keep roots cool and weeds down.
Water deeply during dry weather, especially when fruit is forming.
After harvest, cut summer-fruiting canes to the ground; cut autumn types to the ground in late winter.

Common problems

Small, crumbly fruitOften caused by tarnished plant bugs feeding on flowers and young fruit, or by poor pollination; check plants at bloom and water evenly.

Grey mould on berriesBotrytis in damp weather; pick often, thin canes, improve airflow.

Yellow leaves between veinsIron deficiency in alkaline soil; lower pH with sulfur or use chelated iron.

Wilting canesRoot rot in waterlogged soil; improve drainage or use raised beds.

Pets

Raspberry plants are not listed as toxic to cats and dogs. Thorny canes can scratch, and eating many berries may upset the stomach; if in doubt, ask your vet.

Related tools

Soil and mulch calculator

Similar plants

Strawberry Blueberry Grapevine

Sources

This page is general guidance; no pesticide doses are given.