Caroline Everbearing Raspberry

Minimum temperature: Hardy to -20°F
USDA zone: 4–8
Light: Full sun
Fruit: Large red berries with rich, sweet flavor
Bearing age: 1–2 years
Pollination requirements: Self-pollinating
Chill hours: 800–1,000 hours
Ripens: Late summer through fall

Can not ship to HI.

Raspberries are a rewarding fruit to grow, offering sweet, juicy berries. Follow these care guidelines to ensure healthy plants and a productive harvest.

1. Summer Planting

When planting smaller, younger raspberry plants, avoid placing them in full sun during the hot summer months. The intense heat can stress the plant and potentially kill it. Instead:

• Consider transplanting the plant into a container.
• Place the plant in a shaded spot until the weather cools down.
• This allows the plant to acclimate without being overwhelmed by the summer sun and heat.

2. Site Selection

• Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
• Avoid low-lying areas prone to early-season frosts and areas with heavy clay soil.
• Ensure adequate air circulation to help prevent diseases.

3. Time of Year to Plant

• Plant dormant raspberry canes in late fall or early spring.
• Container plants can be planted year-round in areas with mild winters.
• Spring planting is preferable for areas with harsh winters.

4. Soil Preparation

• Raspberries prefer slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil with a pH of 5.5–6.5.
• Amend the soil with well-rotted compost or aged manure to improve fertility.
• Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.

5. Planting

• Space plants 2–3 feet apart in rows, with rows 6–8 feet apart.
• Plant canes at the same depth they were grown in the nursery container.
• Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.

6. Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods.
• Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage.
• Reduce watering in winter to prevent root rot.

7. Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins.
• Use a fertilizer with higher phosphorus content to support better fruit production.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can encourage too much vegetative growth at the expense of fruiting.

8. Pruning

Spring-Bearing Raspberries:

• Prune all canes that bore fruit to ground level after harvesting.
• Thin remaining canes, leaving 4–6 of the healthiest per square foot.
• Tie canes to a support system to prevent them from bending under the weight of fruit.

Ever-Bearing Raspberries:

• Prune the entire plant to ground level in late winter or early spring to promote a larger fall crop.
• This minimizes the summer harvest and focuses energy on the fall fruiting period.
• Remove spent floricanes (the canes that bore fruit) after each fruiting period.

9. Support Structures

• Install a trellis or support system for the canes to keep them upright.
• This improves air circulation and makes harvesting easier.

10. Pest and Disease Control

• Monitor for pests like aphids and Japanese beetles.
• Fungal diseases can be controlled with proper spacing and fungicide applications if necessary.

11. Harvesting

• Harvest ripe berries gently to avoid damaging the plant.
• Pick berries regularly to encourage continuous fruiting.

12. Winter Care

• Mulch around plants in late fall to protect roots from freezing temperatures.
• In severe winter climates, consider covering plants with burlap for extra protection.

Remember, specific care practices may vary based on raspberry variety and local climate. Regular monitoring and adjustments will help ensure a healthy, productive raspberry patch.