Raspberry Plant Information and Variety Selection

Wikifarmer

Editorial team

6 min read
19/12/2024
Raspberry Plant Information and Variety Selection

The History of Raspberries

Raspberries are considered a popular superfood known for their antioxidant content. The fruits have a long history dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. They are believed to have been discovered on Mt. Ida in Crete, from which the species Rubus idaeus (scientific name of raspberries) took its name. Raspberries belong to the Rosaceae family within the Rubus genus, which includes a variety of closely related berry plants. The most widely grown species are Rubus idaeus, known as the European or red raspberry, and Rubus occidentalis, known as the black raspberry. Red raspberries are native to Europe and thrive in temperate climates, while black raspberries are native to North America.

Raspberries have gained popularity due to their taste and health benefits and have become a widely cultivated and high-value fruit globally. According to the FAO, global raspberry production in 2017 reached over 800,000 tons, with Russia producing approximately 20% of the global supply, followed by Poland, the United States, and Serbia.

How to Recognize a Raspberry Plant

Raspberry plants are bushy perennials with a robust root system with runners and biennial woody stems (also called canes), which bear fruits in their second year. Red raspberry starts fructification from the second year and can live 8-14 years. The roots can grow up to 16-20 inches (40-50 cm) deep and 16-118 inches (40-300 cm) in width. The stems are thorny and erect that can reach up to  5-10 feet (1.5 to 3 meters) in height. Red idaeus leaves are alternate, oval, toothed, compound with their own stalk, on 3-7 ovate leaflets. The upper side of the leaf is hairy and light green, and the downside is greyish.

Red raspberries develop new canes (stems) from buds on the roots and the crown. During the first year, the canes are called primocanes. They have only leaves and fructify on the lateral shoots during autumn and summer (Everbearing or Fall Bearing or Primocane varieties) or only in the summer (Summer Bearing or Floricane varieties) (4). In the second year, the canes are called floricanes, and the lateral branches develop fruits, flowers, and leaves. After their second year, canes are pruned, and primocanes and floricanes are present throughout the growing season. The European raspberry flowers bloom in the spring on clusters that grow on the second-year side shoots and are either pink or white. They have five petals (usually white), sepals, stamens, and pistils. The flowers of the species are hermaphrodite and self-fertile, but pollination by insects (mainly bees and flies) will increase the fruit set.

According to the botanical terminology, the fruits of Rubus idaeus are an aggregation of several small, red, or pinkish-purple drupelets and are often mentioned as berries. Raspberry fruit weighs about 3-6 g (0.1-0.2 oz). The blooming season usually starts at the end of spring - the start of summer (mid-May or early June, for the northern hemisphere), depending on the raspberry variety and the area's microclimate, and it lasts for 20-30 days. The early and the late-maturing varieties have a 6-10 days difference in the growth stages. Depending on the region, the plant, and fruit characteristics, the farmer can choose among a number of different varieties.

Types of Raspberries and Their Characteristics

Raspberry varieties are primarily distinguished by their color (red, black, purple, and yellow) and their fruiting patterns, which determine when they produce berries.

  1. Red Raspberries: The most common type, these raspberries are known for their sweet flavor and adaptability. They are highly versatile and work well for fresh eating, freezing, and preserves. Varieties like ‘Prelude’ and ‘Nova’ are noted for their hardiness and productivity, making them popular choices among growers.
  2. Black Raspberries: Known for their deep, rich flavor, black raspberries are favored for their high antioxidant content and are commonly used in jams and desserts. They are native to North America and have different growth habits compared to red varieties. ‘Jewel’ is a popular black raspberry variety with excellent cold tolerance and productivity.
  3. Purple Raspberries: A cross between black and red varieties, purple raspberries have a unique flavor and color, making them ideal for preserves and fresh consumption. ‘Brandywine’ is a commonly grown purple raspberry, valued for its large, flavorful berries and hardy nature.
  4. Yellow Raspberries: These are albino forms of red raspberries, with a milder, sweeter flavor. Yellow varieties like ‘Anne’ are ideal for fresh eating and can be a treat for home gardeners looking to diversify their raspberry collection. They have moderate cold tolerance and are typically grown as novelty fruits.

Fruiting Patterns: Summer-Bearing vs. Fall-Bearing

Raspberries are also classified by their fruiting cycle/type into two main categories:

  • Summer-Bearing (or Floricane-Fruiting) Varieties: These varieties produce fruit once per year, in early summer, on two-year-old canes known as floricanes. Varieties of this raspberry type do not produce any fruits in the first year after transplanting into the field, and the plants can reach full yield potential from the 3rd year and after.  They typically yield a large harvest in a short period (4-5 weeks), making them ideal for gardeners who want a single, substantial raspberry crop each season. Common summer-bearing varieties include ‘Boyne’ and ‘Latham,’ both known for their cold tolerance and disease resistance. ‘Boyne’ is also tolerant to root rot and is immune to RBDV (Raspberry bushy dwarf virus). To keep the long canes in a relatively erect position, there is the need for support with a trellis.
  • Fall-Bearing (Primocane-fruiting or  Everbearing) Varieties: These varieties bear fruit on first-year canes, allowing for two harvests—one in late summer or fall and another smaller crop the following spring. Primocane varieties are an excellent choice for areas with a longer growing season.  ‘Heritage’ and ‘Autumn Bliss’ are popular fall-bearing raspberries, appreciated for their robust nature and adaptability to a range of climates. Some other ever-bearing varieties are Meraviglia delle quattro stagioni, Zeva, Pathfinder, Autumn Bliss, Polana, Caroline,, and Polka. The Polka variety has been known for its delicious, sweet taste and the large size of the berry. It brings a high yield very fast.

How to Select the Best Raspberry Variety for Your Garden

Choosing the right raspberry variety involves considering several factors, such as climate, soil, intended use, and flavor preferences. Here are some guidelines to help you select the best variety for your needs:

  1. Climate and Hardiness: Certain raspberry varieties are better suited to specific climates. For colder regions, choose varieties with high cold tolerance, like ‘Latham’ or ‘Boyne.’ In warmer climates, consider varieties that can handle heat stress and fluctuating temperatures, like ‘Autumn Bliss.’
  2. Disease Resistance: Some varieties are resistant to common raspberry diseases, such as anthracnose and cane blight. Varieties like ‘Heritage’ and ‘Nova’ are known for their disease resistance and adaptability, making them reliable choices.
  3. Use and (Taste) Preferences: The flavor profile and intended use of the raspberries should also be taken into account. Sweet and mild varieties, such as yellow raspberries or certain red types, may be ideal for raw consumption. Black raspberries, with their intense flavor and high antioxidant content, are a popular choice for making jams, desserts, or frozen products. Purple raspberries, with their unique color and taste, are excellent for preserves.
  4. Harvest Timing: If you want a consistent supply of raspberries throughout the season, consider planting a combination of summer-bearing and fall-bearing varieties. This will allow you to enjoy fresh berries from early summer until the first frost.

The selection of the raspberry variety to cultivate in your backyard or field is an important factor that will affect the success of your crop. Growers should take into account all the factors mentioned above and consult a licensed agronomist before planting to make the best possible choice. 

References

  1. https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/rubida/all.html
  2. http://www.agroatlas.ru/en/content/cultural/Rubus_idaeus_K/index.html
  3. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Rubus+idaeus
  4. https://www.rhs.org.uk/fruit/raspberries/grow-your-own
  5. https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-raspberries-home-garden#planting-and-caring-for-new-plants-697310
  6. https://extension.psu.edu/home-fruit-gardens-table-7-1-recommended-raspberry-varieties-for-pennsylvania
  7. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/files/AABI/raspberry_variety_factsheet-final.pdf
  8. https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1421
  9. https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/catalog/files/project/pdf/ec1306.pdf
  10. https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/raspberry-management-for-utah
  11. https://extension.umn.edu/raspberry-farming/raspberry-types-and-varieties

Further reading

10 Health Benefits of Raspberries

Interesting facts about Raspberries

Types of berries-Superfoods

Raspberry Plant Information and Variety Selection

How to Cultivate Raspberries Commercially

Raspberry Soil Requirements, Site Preparation and Planting

How to Grow Raspberries from Seed

How to Grow Raspberries in Containers

Raspberries Propagation and Pollination

Raspberry Irrigation: Best Practices for Healthy Growth and High Yields

How to Fertilize Raspberries

How to Train and Prune Raspberries

Raspberry Yield, Harvest, and Storage

Raspberry Pests & Diseases and Best Management Practices