Autumn fruiting raspberries

flowerpotgirl

I am growing, Autumn Bliss raspberries, probably foolishly, in a large container. I planted a containerised plant in february and cut down all canes at that time.  I now have at least four canes, two of which are fairly new and growing tall but not fruiting, and two slightly older ones that are. The new fruitless canes have taken me by surprise. The question is, and I do apologize if it has been asked before but should I have cut these new canes down as its getting a bit crowded in there or what? I'm not really sure how to proceed!

BobTheGardener

I would recommend that you leave them all for now and cut everything back to the ground in February, regardless of whether a cane fruited or not.  If you leave the new canes they will produce early fruit next summer but at the expense of the main (autumn) crop which will be smaller or not appear at all.

flowerpotgirl

Thanks Bob, that sounds sensible, I will do that, I think I prefer autumn fruit as per the original plan.  Would it matter do you think if, after its finished fruiting I moved the pot to a shadier more out of the way spot as its a bit ungainly at the moment and is it likely to need frost protection?

BobTheGardener

I think it will be fine to do that.  Raspberries are very hardy so I doubt they'll suffer from frost in a large container and I grow them in quite shaded conditions without problems.  You could always mulch them with well-rotted manure (bagged stuff from garden centres etc. is ideal) which would both protect the crown from frost as well as feed it for next year.

flowerpotgirl

Brilliant. Thank you so much for your help!

a_good_brew

What is the general advice about raspberry conditions?  It always seems to say "full sun" on the label, but I have about 5 canes of Autumn Bliss and 5 Glenn Ample in a very sunny spot on clay soil.  The Glen Ample all died after their second year and the Autumn Bliss are doing OK, but only produce about 20 raspberries in total each year (now in their third year).  I'm thinkning of moving them to a more shady spot.  Maybe I need to dig a trench and fill it with ericaceous compost too?

purplerallim

My Autumn raspberries are maybe a year older than yours. The are against a fence, with paving in front,  so a narrowish bed , but no competition.  The are in the shade for half the day. Up to now I would say they have given enough fruit to have a handful of raspberries every day during the season, increasing the number of canes by two or three each year. This year has been a bumper year with 2 1/2 kg to date. They are in heavy clay soil but added manure and compost when planted and top dress with manure over winter, during fruiting they get the odd tomato feed.

Dovefromabove

@a_good_brew ... we’re on very free draining gritty loam in Norfolk ... I found Polka produced really well in an area where they received several hours of shade ... but they are thirsty plants and produced much better if given several good soakings when in flower and fruiting.