Pruning Raspberries: Summer and Autumn Types

Understanding the two raspberry types

Summer-bearing raspberries fruit on canes grown the previous year. Autumn-bearing raspberries produce fruit on new canes from the same season. Because of this, pruning methods are very different.

• summer raspberries fruit on second-year canes
• autumn raspberries fruit on first-year canes
• incorrect pruning can greatly reduce harvests
• identify the raspberry type before pruning

How to prune summer raspberries

For summer raspberries, remove the old fruiting canes immediately after harvest. The young new canes stay in place because they will carry fruit the following year.

1. 1

   Identify old canes

   Old fruiting canes are usually darker and more branched than young shoots.

2. 2

   Cut old canes at ground level

   Remove all harvested canes close to the soil.

3. 3

   Select strong young canes

   Keep only vigorous new shoots and remove weak or damaged ones.

4. 4

   Organize supports

   Tie remaining canes loosely to wires or supports.

• prune directly after summer harvest
• thin overcrowded growth
• maintain good airflow

How to prune autumn raspberries

Autumn raspberries are especially easy to prune. After harvest or in late winter, all canes are cut back close to the ground. New shoots will emerge in spring and fruit later the same year.

1. 1

   Choose the timing

   Cut autumn raspberries back after harvest or in late winter.

2. 2

   Remove all canes

   Cut every shoot back just above ground level.

3. 3

   Clean the planting area

   Remove cut plant material from the bed.

4. 4

   Encourage new growth

   Fresh canes will emerge in spring and produce fruit later in the season.

Care after pruning

After pruning, raspberries benefit from loose soil, steady moisture, and enough spacing. Dense, unmanaged growth dries slowly and is more likely to cause problems.

• mulch helps keep soil evenly moist
• remove weeds regularly
• avoid waterlogging
• keep only strong canes

Supports and cane management

Many raspberry varieties grow better with simple wire supports or frames. Well-spaced canes dry faster and are easier to harvest.

• tie canes loosely to supports
• avoid overcrowding shoots
• leave enough space between rows
• remove damaged canes regularly

Common mistakes to avoid

• mixing up summer and autumn raspberries
• accidentally removing young fruiting canes
• allowing plants to become overcrowded
• leaving cut canes in the bed
• failing to thin weak or unhealthy shoots

Frequently asked questions