Growing Raspberries for the Whole Family

Heritage: Hardy variety that produces two crops. The first is in July and the second is a fall crop beginning in September and bearing until the first hard freeze. Berries are large, brilliant red, extremely firm and attractive. Superb for freezing and delicious for table use. Fall crop is larger than the summer one. Rated the No. 1 fall-bearing variety.

Autumn Britten: Nice fruit, fewer canes, midseason, double berries. Originated in Great Britain. Ripens before Caroline and Heritage, bearing fruit from late summer through the fall. Very large, very firm and coherent berry that is flavorful. Winter hardy in trials at Nourse Farms.

Polana: At least three weeks earlier than Heritage, Polana allows you to grow fall varieties in more northern locations and still produce a great crop. Berries are highly productive, large, glossy in appearance, with good flavor. Canes are short and vigorous. Ripens early August in southern New England. A great choice for early fall raspberries. Polana needs extra fertilizer in May and June.

Joan J: High yielding, thornless, with large, flavorful fruit that hold their size well. Berries are firm, easy to pick (release well) and recommended when early fruit is required.

Protecting from theft

Netting is sometimes necessary to keep birds like robins from stealing some of the crop. Hornets often come in late in the season to feast on the berries. To deter them, be sure to keep the patch picked clean. Overripe fruit is going to be a drawing card.

Raspberry sources

Indiana Berry Farm
2811 U.S. Hwy 31
Plymouth, IN 46563-9196
800-295-2226

J.W. Jung Seed Co.
335 S. High St.
Randolph, WI 53956-1425
800-297-3123

Nourse Farms
41 River Road
South Deerfield, MA 01373-9615
413-665-2658