Raspberry yield - How much raspberry plants can yield
A raspberry plant needs 3-4 years to reach full production potential and can stay productive for more than 10-15 years (25 years have also been reported). Fall-bearing or primocane-fruiting raspberries are generally capable of producing a significant yield from the second year (1). Raspberry yield is influenced by plant variety, environmental conditions, and management practices. In red raspberries, the first harvest begins the second year, from mid-summer to the first frost. The average yield of raspberries is 7.9 - 10 tons per hectare (7,140-8,900 lb/acre). However, yields of 4.24 and 24.7 tons per hectare have also been reported. In general, red raspberries are (twice) more productive than black raspberries, and the plants growing in high tunnels give up to 2 times higher yields compared to open-field cultivations (2, 3, 4, 5, 1). Home gardeners often achieve lower yields due to smaller planting sizes but can still enjoy consistent, flavorful harvests with proper care.
When and how to harvest raspberries
Raspberries should be fully ripe yet firm when harvested to ensure optimum quality and shelf life. Key indicators of ripeness include the fruit’s size, color (typical of their variety), and ease of detachment from the cane. Proper timing is essential for maintaining flavor and avoiding overripeness, which can compromise the fruit's integrity and attract pests.
Depending on the type and variety of raspberries, the weather, and the production system, harvesting may last several weeks. Raspberry fruit ripens at different times, which means that you can do multiple harvests throughout the season. You can harvest by hand-picking every 2 to 8 days or with special harvesters. Mechanical harvest is performed only in raspberries that will be utilized for processing or freezing. Due to their high cost, these machines are an economically viable choice only if the raspberry field is larger than 12.4 hectares (30.6 acres) (2).
Choose a sunny day early in the morning. If they are still drenched with dew or rain, let them dry from the cane. If there is a weather forecast and rain is expected, you can harvest the fruits a bit earlier (when they are fully colored but more strongly attached to the stem). This is important because the rain may dilute the flavor and lead to fruit rot. The fruits are harvested and placed directly in their final containers. One worker can collect, on average, 11-13 lbs (5-6 kg) of Raspberries in one hour (6). All injured or infected berries should be discarded.
Post-Harvest Handling - Optimum Conditions to Store Raspberries
Proper handling post-harvest preserves the quality of raspberries, which are highly perishable. Berries should not be washed until ready for consumption to avoid moisture-induced spoilage.
Depending on the next steps, such as freezing, long transportation, or direct sales, the farmer must choose an appropriate container to place the freshly harvested raspberries. Raspberries start to rot just 48 hours after being placed at room temperature. Immediately after harvesting, berries must be cooled to 0-2.2°C (32–36°F) and stored with 90–95% humidity to prolong freshness. Covering berries during refrigeration prevents condensation and the growth of mold. Sorting is essential to remove damaged or diseased berries, ensuring only top-quality fruit meets market standards. A consistent cold chain from harvest to market maximizes shelf life and fruit appeal.
To freeze, you can arrange berries in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to sealed containers once frozen. This method prevents clumping and preserves individual berry integrity. Packaging in small, vented containers reduces crushing and allows airflow, which is essential for maintaining quality during transport. Direct-to-consumer sales often use attractive, single-use containers, while bulk sales prioritize durable, stackable options.
Raspberries must meet strict grading standards for direct sale, free from mold, overripe fruit, or mechanical damage. For processed raspberries, slightly more lenient standards apply, but fruit quality remains paramount. Transport requires refrigerated systems to sustain the cold chain and minimize quality loss. Proper stacking and cushioning prevent crushing, ensuring that berries arrive at their destination in prime condition. Effective packaging and transportation practices enhance consumer satisfaction and maximize market success.
References
- https://extension.psu.edu/red-raspberry-production#section-13
- https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/crop-management/fruit-crops/raspberry-production-information.html#:~:text=A%20raspberry%20planting%20is%20capable,been%20obtained%20in%20experimental%20plots.
- https://www.canr.msu.edu/foodsystems/uploads/files/Economics_of_High_Tunnel_Raspberry_Production.pdf
- https://ucanr.edu/sites/uccesc/files/156880.pdf
- https://web.extension.illinois.edu/raspberries/about.cfm
- https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/catalog/files/project/pdf/ec1306.pdf
- https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/2011/6-15/smallfruit.html
- https://extension.sdstate.edu/raspberries-harvest-and-storage
- https://rubus.ces.ncsu.edu/rubus-postharvest-handling-and-storage-of-blackberries-and-raspberies/
- https://extension.psu.edu/raspberry-production
- https://seerural.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Guidelines-for-the-harvest-packaging-and-storage-of-soft-fruits.pdf
- https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-raspberries-home-garden
- https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/raspberry-management-for-utah
Further reading
10 Health Benefits of Raspberries
Interesting facts about Raspberries
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 Train and Prune Raspberries
Raspberry Yield, Harvest, and Storage