Raspberry Plant 'Polka'

Raspberries are one of the easiest and tastiest fruits to grow and harvest, offering wonderful crops over quite a long period. They are ideal for growing in the UK, being well suited to the weather conditions we experience. 

Types of Raspberries: 

Raspberries are split into 2 different fruiting categories. 

Floricane varieties – These types of flowers and fruit on last year’s wood and should not be pruned. However, as they fruit on the lower part of the stems, any very long growth can be cut back to approx. 120-150cm (4-5ft) to keep the plant tidy and making picking easier. Do this pruning in early Spring.  Any stems that have fruited that year, can be cut down to the ground in early Spring and they will fruit in 2 summers time. These are also known as ‘Summer Fruiting’ varieties. 

Primocane varieties – these are more modern varieties and will fruit on this year’s wood. All fruiting stems can be cut down in early spring. This promotes the new growth which will flower and fruit that summer. These are also known as ‘Autumn Fruiting’ varieties.

How to prepare the soil for raspberries:Raspberries like weed-free,fertile and well-drained soil that is not too soggy or chalky. While adding a thick layer of bulky compost to the soil prior to planting is recommended, don’t worry if you haven’t! Just before planting you can sprinkle some general-purpose fertiliser over the soil to give raspberries the best possible start.

Where to plant: 

Raspberries can grow in part shade, but we recommend choosing as sunnier a spot as possible to grow that is also sheltered from the wind. 

How to plant raspberries: 

Raspberry plants can be planted any time between November and March, commonly known as the bare root season, but importantly not when the soil is waterlogged or hardened by frost. 

Soak the bare root canes in a bucket of water to hydrate the roots while preparing the planting hole. 

Dig a trench about 3 inches (7.5cm) deep and 12 inches (30cm) wide. Make holes with a fork in the side of the trench to encourage root growth. 

Place the canes 1.5ft (45cm) apart in the trench, spreading out the roots before firming in the soil around them. Make sure the canes are sturdy and upright! 

We then recommend snipping back the cane to about 12 inches (30cm) above the soil. This helps promote vigorous growth and leaves a little later on. 

While raspberry plants are for the most part strong enough to support themselves while growing, there is no harm in building a frame to secure and help as they grow, ensuring they are in their best form come harvesttime. Please visit our website for a whole range of accessories to help you get the most successful harvests, including frames, twine and harvesting tools. 

Bare Root Raspberries: These raspberries are arriving with you in their dormant stage. These are leafless canes with strong root systems that can be planted out of season to give them time to establish. If you can plant them immediately upon arrival, then please see our guide as below. If you need to wait a while, then please follow these steps to ensure your plants stay in great condition. 

Plants will arrive in a compostable bag and have been dipped in a water prior to despatch. This helps the root remain moist whilst in transit. 

Plunge the roots in a bucket of water for 30 seconds and allow to drain off. 

Place the canes back in the bag supplied to keep the roots as moist as possible. 

Raspberries prefer fertile, well-drained, moisture-retentive soil that is slightly acidic