Pruning raspberries
emma lou
Posts: 159
in Fruit & veg
I have got into a bit of a pickle with our raspberry bushes this year. There is a mix of early and later varieties which is the problem. I can clearly see the late ones which I understand need pruning in February, however they are looking very straggly already and the fruit isn't as good now. However I have other raspberries that are a mix of early fruiting and some that have not produced this year and not sure what they are. Should I start again with these and prune both the none fruiting and early varieties back and leave the lates until February? thank you
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Hmm I know. We have gained raspberries and my limited gardening experience means things have got a little muddled!! I can do so. Will I not get fruit next year if I move them around? I have read about this pruning old fruited stems but a little confused on that one. Thank you
The best fruits come on new stems which is why the old ones are cut down. Early fruiters do it on stems produced during the previous season and those stems need cutting back once they'v fruited. You then tie in the new ones to their supports.
Late fruiters do it on new season's wood so you can cut back now but more usually in February. The RHS has this advice which may be of help - https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/grow-your-own/fruit/raspberries
"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
Very helpful thankyou. Like I said, some of the bushes have not produced fruit this year as they were planted last year. i am not sure if they are early or lates so not sure whether to prune them or not.If it is OK to prune them now why does the RHS recommend February? I would prefer to do it now as we may need to move them. Will ones moved not produced fruit next year?
Leaving the stems on till February protects the crowns of the plants through the worst of winter. You have to use your nouse and not do it when it's freezing but, once done, you know that the new growth will go on and flower and fruit in mid to late summer, assuming they're that kind.
If you need to move any or all of your raspberries it will be easier of you cut them down to about 9 to 12inches then water well to protect their roots and make them easier to lift. Replant in well prepared beds and then wait and see. You'll be fine with the late fruiters but will probably lose a season with the earlies.
"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw