Rubus idaeus, more commonly known as the ‘raspberry’, is a much-loved fruiting shrub that produces delicious, sweet and aromatic fruit. Red (and sometimes yellow) raspberries are perfect for eating fresh or using in desserts, jams and smoothies. The plant is productive and relatively easy to grow.

Light

Raspberries grow best in a sunny spot. The more sun they get, the sweeter and tastier the fruit will be. They can tolerate light partial shade, but this may reduce the yield.

Watering

Water regularly, especially during flowering and fruiting. The soil should remain slightly moist but well-drained. Avoid letting the soil dry out, as this affects the quality of the fruit.

Temperature

The raspberry bush is hardy and well suited to our climate. It does not need protection in winter and regrows in spring.

Care

Raspberry bushes require a little care: tie the branches to wires or a stake to encourage neat growth. Pruning depends on the variety: summer-bearing raspberry bushes produce fruit on two-year-old wood (remove old branches after the harvest), whilst autumn-bearing raspberry bushes grow on one-year-old wood (prune everything back to ground level in winter). In spring, add a little organic fertiliser for a good yield.