conflicting info about pruning fall-bearing raspberries - Ask Extension
I have Heritage raspberry plants, 1 year in the ground. I have found two conflicting recommendations for pruning them to get one fall crop. The Exte...
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conflicting info about pruning fall-bearing raspberries #889363
Asked November 05, 2024, 10:58 AM EST
I have Heritage raspberry plants, 1 year in the ground. I have found two conflicting recommendations for pruning them to get one fall crop. The Extension publication "Growing Raspberries in the Home Garden" recommends cutting them to the ground in late March. The Garden Guide for the Rogue Valley recommends cutting them to the ground after fall harvest or up to February. Which is correct? I live on the edge of the Rogue Valley proper, a few miles from the Extension Center. My last frost is usually sometime between mid-April and mid-May.
Thank you very much for your assistance.
Jackson County Oregon
Expert Response
Both recommendations are correct.
The best time to prune fall-bearing raspberries is during their dormant season, which is late fall to early spring. You can use a sharp lopper, hedge trimmer, or mower to cut the canes to the ground. Here are some tips for pruning fall-bearing raspberries:
The best time to prune fall-bearing raspberries is during their dormant season, which is late fall to early spring. You can use a sharp lopper, hedge trimmer, or mower to cut the canes to the ground. Here are some tips for pruning fall-bearing raspberries:
- Prune annually: Pruning is necessary to produce a high yield of fruit.
- Thin canes: Space the remaining canes about 6 to 8 inches apart.
- Produce a single crop: Pruning all canes back to the ground will produce a single crop in late summer or early fall.
- Produce a summer and fall crop: Leave some primocanes to form into floricanes, which will produce a small summer crop. Space the floricanes at least 6 inches apart.
- Prevent disease: Pruning helps prevent fungal diseases like gray mold, spur blight, and anthracnose.
- Promote healthy plants: Pruning allows more sunlight and air to reach the plants, which leads to healthier plants and bigger, sweeter berries.
