1207
Raspberries
Raspberries are among the hardiest of the bush fruits. Some varieties
will withstand minus 35 degrees and still produce fruit.
There are three types of raspberries -- red, black and purple. Red
raspberries are the hardiest and grow well along the Front Range. Black
and purple raspberries do better in milder climates like the fruit
producing areas on the western slope.
 Domestic
raspberries are either summer-bearing plants, which produce fruit in June,
or fall-bearing plants, which produce fruit in the late summer and fall.
Summer-bearing plants flower and bear fruit on canes that grew the
previous year. Once they fruit, those canes won't produce a crop again and
should be removed.
Summer-bearing raspberries produce little sucker growth. Their long
canes need to be supported by a trellis during the winter months to keep
them from being damaged by strong winds. Recommended summer-bearing
varieties are Latham, Boyne, Laura and Honey Queen.
 Fall
varieties bear fruit on new growth produced in the summer. Those canes
will produce a light early summer crop the next summer. After that, the
canes should be removed. Fall-bearing canes can be cut down to the ground
in early spring if an early crop of fruit isn't wanted. Fall-bearing
varieties include Heritage, September Red, Fall Red, Red Wing, Amity,
Pathfinder, Trailblazer, Plainsman, Perrone's Red, Caroline, Autumn Bliss,
Goldie and Anna.
Raspberries require a good soil with slight acidity and adequate
drainage. New plants should be planted in the spring before they start to
grow. Raspberries also require one to three inches of water a week. More
water is required as the berries get close to harvest.
Raspberries should be picked early in the morning while temperatures
are cool. When picked, the fruit should not be squeezed or pulled, but
rolled off of the stem.
For "Soil tests" listen to message number 1606.
For more information, see the following Colorado State Extension fact sheet(s).
|
