Profile

RaspberryRubus idaeus

The raspberry (Rubus idaeus) is a popular and productive berry plant suitable for both home gardens and commercial cultivation. It is known for its sweet, aromatic fruits, rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Raspberries are relatively easy to care for and can be grown in various locations, but require good support and regular maintenance for optimal yields. There are summer-bearing and autumn-bearing varieties, which differ in their fruiting habits and pruning requirements.

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus): plant portrait for plant portrait - Fruit, Rose family, Harvest Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Raspberry: plant portrait. harvest: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.

Quick profile

Key data

Planting

Mar, Apr, Oct

Harvest

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Water

medium

Good neighbors

BeansCabbageGarliccommon sage

Growing data

Raspberry Growing data

Plant spacing

40 - 60 cm

Row spacing

150 - 200 cm

Sowing and germination

Light germinatorNo
Dark germinatorNo
Cold germinatorNo
Stratification neededNo
Pre-soaking recommendedNo
Direct sowing possibleNo
Pre-culture recommendedNo

Planting and spacing

Plant spacing40 - 60 cm
Row spacing150 - 200 cm
Plants per m²2 - 4 per m²
Bed widthfrom 150 cm
Spacing1 plant per square foot

Temperature and site

Growing temperaturefrom 10 °C
Optimal temperature18 - 25 °C
Frost sensitiveNo
Late frost sensitiveYes
Heat tolerancemedium
Cold tolerancehigh

Water, nutrients and care

Watermedium
Critical water phasesFlowering, Fruit set, Fruit development
Watering methoddrip irrigation
Droughtmedium
Waterlogging sensitiveYes
Mulching recommendedYes
Nutrient needmedium_feeder
Compost recommendedYes
Fertilizer sensitivitylow

Container, support and growth

Container suitableYes
Pot sizeVolume: from 20 l; Recommended: from 40 l; Diameter: from 30 cm; Depth: from 30 cm
SupportYes; 150 - 200 cm
Height150 - 200 cm
Width50 - 100 cm
Root depth30 - 60 cm
Yield0.5 - 2 kg

Year plan

Raspberry Calendar

All plants
Indoor sowingDirect sowingPlantingHarvest

Indoor sowing

No data

Raspberries are generally not started from seed indoors.

Direct sowing

No data

Direct sowing is uncommon for raspberries. Propagation is usually done via root suckers or cuttings.

Planting

MarAprOct

Planting of young plants or cuttings in spring (March-April) or autumn (October).

Harvest

JunJulAugSepOct

Harvest time varies by variety. Summer raspberries ripen from June to August, autumn raspberries from August to October.

Year plan
  1. Prune canes that have fruited (for summer-bearing raspberries)
  2. Plant new raspberry bushes
  3. Cut back one-year-old canes (for autumn-bearing raspberries)
  4. Thin out and prune shoots
  5. Mulch for moisture retention and weed suppression
  6. Tie canes to supports
  7. First fertilization
  8. Remove excess root suckers
  9. Regularly harvest ripe fruits
  10. Water as needed
  11. Continue harvesting
  12. Harvesting of autumn raspberries begins
  13. Remove old, fruiting canes (for summer-bearing raspberries)
  14. Continue harvesting
  15. Prepare for pruning
  16. Final harvest
  17. Prune harvested canes (for autumn-bearing raspberries)
  18. Prune harvested canes (for summer-bearing raspberries)

Growing

Raspberry Site, soil and care

Spacing

40 - 60 cm

Storage

Notes: Raspberries do not store well and should be consumed as fresh as possible. Longer storage is only possible under special conditions (freezing).

Raspberries are relatively undemanding, but a good harvest requires attention. Pay attention to the correct variety selection (summer vs. autumn-bearing), a sunny, wind-sheltered location, and stable support. Pruning is crucial: summer-bearing raspberries are pruned after harvest, autumn-bearing raspberries in spring. Regular watering, especially during dry spells, and annual fertilization with compost promote growth and fruiting. Watch out for pests and diseases and act promptly.

Cultivation timeline for Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) with sowing, planting, care, and harvest months
Raspberry: cultivation timeline. calendar: Mar, Apr, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.

Pruning

Raspberry Pruning

renewal_pruning

Goal

renewal_pruning

Pruning timing

winter

NovDecJanFeb

Pruning of harvested canes (summer-bearing raspberries) and thinning. The best time for pruning summer-bearing raspberries is after harvest or in late winter/early spring before sap flow begins.

early_spring

Mar

Cutting back autumn-bearing raspberries to near-ground stubs to promote same-year harvest. All canes of autumn-bearing raspberries are cut back to approx. 20-30 cm in early spring.

spring

AprMay

Thinning and tying new shoots. Remove weak shoots and loosely tie the remaining strong canes to the support.

Remove

  • Fruited canes (for summer-bearing raspberries)
  • Weak, diseased, or damaged canes
  • Excess canes (overly dense shoots)

Preserve

  • Healthy, one-year-old canes (for summer-bearing raspberries)
  • Healthy, two-year-old canes (for autumn-bearing raspberries, if not all are cut to the ground)
  • Strong, well-developed canes

Avoid

  • Over-pruning autumn-bearing raspberries, which reduces the harvest in the same year.
  • Damaging roots when thinning root suckers.
  • Wetting the foliage when watering.

Tools and hygiene

Use sharp and clean tools (saw, secateurs) to ensure clean cuts and prevent disease transmission.

Companion guide

Raspberry Companion guide

Companion guide

Good neighbors

BeansCabbageGarliccommon sage

Health

Pests, Diseases

Pests

Aphids

Small, soft-bodied insects that suck plant sap and excrete honeydew, which can lead to sooty mold. Often infest young shoots and leaves.

Raspberry beetle

Small, black beetles whose larvae infest the fruits, making them inedible. Adult beetles feed on flowers and young leaves.

Spider mites

Tiny arachnids that settle on the underside of leaves and suck plant sap. They prefer dry, warm conditions.

Diseases

Raspberry rust

Fungal disease characterized by yellowish to orange pustules on the underside of leaves, and later on canes and fruits. Leads to premature leaf drop and reduced yield.

Grey mould (on canes and leaves)

Fungal disease that occurs mainly in humid weather. Affects leaves, canes, and fruits, causing a grey, fuzzy spore mass. Leads to rot and death of plant parts.

Verticillium wilt

Soil-borne fungal disease that clogs the plant's vascular system. Leads to wilting and death of canes, often one-sided.

Deficiencies

Iron deficiency

Causes chlorosis (yellowing) of young leaves, while the veins remain green. Often occurs on alkaline, wet soils.

Magnesium deficiency

Leads to a characteristic striped chlorosis, where the leaf veins remain green while the areas between them turn yellow. Often starts on older leaves.

Plant health

FAQ

When is the best time to plant raspberries?

The best time to plant raspberries is in spring (March-April) after the last frost, or in autumn (October) when the soil is still warm enough. Autumn plantings establish well over winter.

How do I prune raspberries correctly?

Pruning depends on the variety: Summer-bearing raspberries fruit on two-year-old canes and are pruned after harvest. Autumn-bearing raspberries fruit on one-year-old canes and are cut back to near ground level in spring. Always remove weak, diseased, or dead canes.

Why aren't my raspberries producing fruit?

Possible reasons include insufficient pollination (lack of insects, bad weather during flowering), frost damage to blossoms, nutrient deficiency (especially potassium), water shortage, or diseases. Also check if you are using the correct pruning method for your variety.

Can I grow raspberries in pots?

Yes, raspberries are well-suited for container growing, especially dwarf or compact varieties. Use deep pots (at least 30-40 cm) with good drainage and ensure regular watering and fertilization, as the substrate dries out faster.

Related plants

Apple

Same family

Both belong to the Rosaceae family.

Strawberry

Same family

Both belong to the Rosaceae family.

Rubus

Same crop groupSimilar nutrient needsSimilar water needs

Both are aggregate fruits and belong to the genus Rubus.

Similar need for potassium and general nutrient supply.

Ribes

Same crop group

Both are popular berry fruits for the home garden.

Grey mould (on canes and leaves)

Shared diseases

Can also affect other berry fruits like strawberries and blackberries.

Sources

Public sources

  1. Wikidata entity

    Wikidata · 2026-05-13

  2. GBIF species match

    GBIF · 2026-05-13

  3. Deutschsprachige Wikipedia: Himbeere

    Wikipedia · 2026-05-13

  4. English Wikipedia: Rubus idaeus

    Wikipedia · 2026-05-13

Details

More public plant data

Names
Common

Raspberry

Plural

Raspberries

BotanicalRubus idaeus
Botanical authorL.
Synonyms
  1. red raspberry
  2. European raspberry
  3. European red raspberry
Common synonyms
  1. raspberry
Regional names
Historical names
Market names
Misspellings
Search terms
  1. Raspberry
  2. Rubus idaeus
  3. red raspberry
Taxonomy
KingdomPlantae
Clades
  1. Tracheophytes
  2. Angiosperms
  3. Eudicots
  4. Rosids
OrderRosales
Family botanicalRosaceae
Family

Rose family

Family idrosaceae
TribeRubeae
GenusRubus
SpeciesRubus idaeus
Hybrid statusnot_hybrid
Classification
Main groupFruit
Sub groupBerry
Crop groupSmall fruit
Life cyclePerennial
Perennialyes
Woodyyes
Treeno
Shrubyes
Edible parts
  1. Fruit
Nutrient groupFruit
Calendar
Sowing indoor
Notes

Raspberries are generally not started from seed indoors.

Sowing outdoor
Notes

Direct sowing is uncommon for raspberries. Propagation is usually done via root suckers or cuttings.

Planting out
Months
  1. 3
  2. 4
  3. 10
Earliest month3
Latest month10
Notes

Planting of young plants or cuttings in spring (March-April) or autumn (October).

Harvest
Months
  1. 6
  2. 7
  3. 8
  4. 9
  5. 10
Earliest month6
Latest month10
Notes

Harvest time varies by variety. Summer raspberries ripen from June to August, autumn raspberries from August to October.

Month tasks
2
  1. Prune canes that have fruited (for summer-bearing raspberries)

3
  1. Plant new raspberry bushes

  2. Cut back one-year-old canes (for autumn-bearing raspberries)

4
  1. Thin out and prune shoots

  2. Mulch for moisture retention and weed suppression

5
  1. Tie canes to supports

  2. First fertilization

6
  1. Remove excess root suckers

  2. Regularly harvest ripe fruits

7
  1. Water as needed

  2. Continue harvesting

8
  1. Harvesting of autumn raspberries begins

  2. Remove old, fruiting canes (for summer-bearing raspberries)

9
  1. Continue harvesting

  2. Prepare for pruning

10
  1. Final harvest

  2. Prune harvested canes (for autumn-bearing raspberries)

11
  1. Prune harvested canes (for summer-bearing raspberries)

Month tasks structured
2
  1. TaskPruning
    Label

    Prune canes that have fruited (for summer-bearing raspberries)

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 2
    Conditionafter fruiting
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Remove canes that bore fruit last summer, cutting them back to the ground.

3
  1. TaskPlanting
    Label

    Plant new raspberry bushes

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 3
    Conditiondormant season
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Plant young bushes or cuttings in well-prepared soil.

  2. TaskPruning
    Label

    Cut back one-year-old canes (for autumn-bearing raspberries)

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 3
    Conditionearly spring
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Cut all canes back to about 20-30 cm above the ground for autumn-bearing raspberries to encourage fruiting in the same year.

4
  1. TaskThinning
    Label

    Thin out and prune shoots

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 4
    Conditionwhen shoots emerge
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Remove weak or excess shoots to ensure good air circulation.

  2. TaskMulching
    Label

    Mulch for moisture retention and weed suppression

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 4
    Conditionafter soil warms
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    A layer of organic material (e.g., compost, straw) helps retain moisture and reduce weeds.

5
  1. TaskSupport
    Label

    Tie canes to supports

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 5
    Conditionas canes grow
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Loosely tie growing canes to trellises, stakes, or wire systems to support them and facilitate fruiting.

  2. TaskFertilizing
    Label

    First fertilization

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 5
    Conditionif needed
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer or compost if needed.

6
  1. TaskWeeding
    Label

    Remove excess root suckers

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 6
    Conditionongoing
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Control and remove root suckers that form too far from the main bush.

  2. TaskHarvesting
    Label

    Regularly harvest ripe fruits

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 6
    Conditionwhen ripe
    Estimated efforthigh
    Notes

    Harvest raspberries gently when fully ripe for best quality.

7
  1. TaskWatering
    Label

    Water as needed

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 7
    Conditionduring dry periods
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Ensure consistent soil moisture, especially during fruit development and ripening.

  2. TaskHarvesting
    Label

    Continue harvesting

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 7
    Conditionwhen ripe
    Estimated efforthigh
    Notes

    Harvest daily or every other day to secure the best fruits.

8
  1. TaskHarvesting
    Label

    Harvesting of autumn raspberries begins

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 8
    Conditionwhen ripe
    Estimated efforthigh
    Notes

    Start of the harvest season for everbearing varieties.

  2. TaskPruning
    Label

    Remove old, fruiting canes (for summer-bearing raspberries)

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 8
    Conditionafter fruiting
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Cut back the canes that bore fruit in summer close to the ground.

9
  1. TaskHarvesting
    Label

    Continue harvesting

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 9
    Conditionwhen ripe
    Estimated efforthigh
    Notes

    The harvest season for autumn raspberries continues.

  2. TaskPruning
    Label

    Prepare for pruning

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 9
    Conditionlate season
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Identify canes that will bear fruit next year and plan for pruning in autumn or winter.

10
  1. TaskHarvesting
    Label

    Final harvest

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 10
    Conditionwhen ripe
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Harvest the last fruits before frost sets in.

  2. TaskPruning
    Label

    Prune harvested canes (for autumn-bearing raspberries)

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 10
    Conditionafter harvest
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Cut back the canes that bore fruit in autumn close to the ground.

11
  1. TaskPruning
    Label

    Prune harvested canes (for summer-bearing raspberries)

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 11
    Conditionafter fruiting
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Remove canes that bore fruit in summer, cutting them back to the ground.

Book content
Overview

The raspberry (Rubus idaeus) is a popular and productive berry plant suitable for both home gardens and commercial cultivation. It is known for its sweet, aromatic fruits, rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Raspberries are relatively easy to care for and can be grown in various locations, but require good support and regular maintenance for optimal yields. There are summer-bearing and autumn-bearing varieties, which differ in their fruiting habits and pruning requirements.

Structured month tasks
2
  1. TaskPruning
    Label

    Prune canes that have fruited (for summer-bearing raspberries)

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 2
    Conditionafter fruiting
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Remove canes that bore fruit last summer, cutting them back to the ground.

3
  1. TaskPlanting
    Label

    Plant new raspberry bushes

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 3
    Conditiondormant season
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Plant young bushes or cuttings in well-prepared soil.

  2. TaskPruning
    Label

    Cut back one-year-old canes (for autumn-bearing raspberries)

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 3
    Conditionearly spring
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Cut all canes back to about 20-30 cm above the ground for autumn-bearing raspberries to encourage fruiting in the same year.

4
  1. TaskThinning
    Label

    Thin out and prune shoots

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 4
    Conditionwhen shoots emerge
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Remove weak or excess shoots to ensure good air circulation.

  2. TaskMulching
    Label

    Mulch for moisture retention and weed suppression

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 4
    Conditionafter soil warms
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    A layer of organic material (e.g., compost, straw) helps retain moisture and reduce weeds.

5
  1. TaskSupport
    Label

    Tie canes to supports

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 5
    Conditionas canes grow
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Loosely tie growing canes to trellises, stakes, or wire systems to support them and facilitate fruiting.

  2. TaskFertilizing
    Label

    First fertilization

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 5
    Conditionif needed
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer or compost if needed.

6
  1. TaskWeeding
    Label

    Remove excess root suckers

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 6
    Conditionongoing
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Control and remove root suckers that form too far from the main bush.

  2. TaskHarvesting
    Label

    Regularly harvest ripe fruits

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 6
    Conditionwhen ripe
    Estimated efforthigh
    Notes

    Harvest raspberries gently when fully ripe for best quality.

7
  1. TaskWatering
    Label

    Water as needed

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 7
    Conditionduring dry periods
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Ensure consistent soil moisture, especially during fruit development and ripening.

  2. TaskHarvesting
    Label

    Continue harvesting

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 7
    Conditionwhen ripe
    Estimated efforthigh
    Notes

    Harvest daily or every other day to secure the best fruits.

8
  1. TaskHarvesting
    Label

    Harvesting of autumn raspberries begins

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 8
    Conditionwhen ripe
    Estimated efforthigh
    Notes

    Start of the harvest season for everbearing varieties.

  2. TaskPruning
    Label

    Remove old, fruiting canes (for summer-bearing raspberries)

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 8
    Conditionafter fruiting
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Cut back the canes that bore fruit in summer close to the ground.

9
  1. TaskHarvesting
    Label

    Continue harvesting

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 9
    Conditionwhen ripe
    Estimated efforthigh
    Notes

    The harvest season for autumn raspberries continues.

  2. TaskPruning
    Label

    Prepare for pruning

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 9
    Conditionlate season
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Identify canes that will bear fruit next year and plan for pruning in autumn or winter.

10
  1. TaskHarvesting
    Label

    Final harvest

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 10
    Conditionwhen ripe
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Harvest the last fruits before frost sets in.

  2. TaskPruning
    Label

    Prune harvested canes (for autumn-bearing raspberries)

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 10
    Conditionafter harvest
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Cut back the canes that bore fruit in autumn close to the ground.

11
  1. TaskPruning
    Label

    Prune harvested canes (for summer-bearing raspberries)

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 11
    Conditionafter fruiting
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Remove canes that bore fruit in summer, cutting them back to the ground.

Cultivation specs
Seed
Light germinatorno
Dark germinatorno
Cold germinatorno
Stratification neededno
Pre soaking recommendedno
Direct sowing possibleno
Pre culture recommendedno
Spacing
Plant spacing cm min.40
Plant spacing cm max.60
Row spacing cm min.150
Row spacing cm max.200
Recommended density per sqm min.2
Recommended density per sqm max.4
Min. bed width150 cm
Square foot gardening spacing1 plant per square foot
Spacing notes

Adjust spacing between plants in the row and between rows depending on variety and support system.

Growth dimensions
Height cm min.150
Height cm max.200
Width cm min.50
Width cm max.100
Root depth cm min.30
Root depth cm max.60
Growth speedfast
Final size notes

Raspberries grow as upright shrubs that spread via root suckers.

Temperature
Min. growing temperature10 °C
Optimal temperature c min.18
Optimal temperature c max.25
Max. heat tolerance30 °C
Frost sensitiveno
Late frost sensitiveyes
Heat tolerancemedium
Cold tolerancehigh
Temperature notes

Young shoots and flowers are sensitive to late frosts.

Water
Water needmedium
Critical water phases
  1. Flowering
  2. Fruit set
  3. Fruit development
Drought tolerantno
Drought sensitivitymedium
Waterlogging sensitiveyes
Mulching recommendedyes
Water notes

Consistent moisture is crucial for a good harvest. Avoid waterlogging.

Nutrition
Nutrient groupmedium_feeder
Heavy feederno
Medium feederyes
Light feederno
Nitrogen needmedium
Phosphorus needmedium
Potassium needhigh
Calcium needlow
Magnesium needlow
Compost recommendedyes
Mulching recommendedyes
Fertilizer sensitivitylow
Nutrition notes

Regular feeding with compost and balanced fertilizers promotes fruiting and health.

Container
Container suitableyes
Min. pot volume20 l
Recommended pot volume40 l
Min. pot depth30 cm
Min. pot diameter30 cm
Plants per container min.1
Plants per container max.2
Drainage requiredyes
Repotting neededyes
Container notes

Choose deep pots with good drainage. Ensure adequate watering and fertilization.

Support
Needs supportyes
Support recommendedyes
Climbingno
Viningno
Trellis recommendedyes
Support types
  1. post_and_wire
  2. trellis
  3. arch
Support height cm min.150
Support height cm max.200
Training requiredyes
Support notes

Raspberries require support to grow upright and ensure good air circulation to the fruits.

Cultivation modes
Outdoor bed suitableyes
Raised bed suitableyes
Container suitableyes
Balcony suitableyes
Greenhouse suitableno
Polytunnel suitableno
Indoor suitableno
Windowsill suitableno
Hydroponic possibleno
Permaculture suitableyes
No dig suitableyes
Yield density
Yield per plant min.0.5
Yield per plant max.2
Yield unitkg
Yield per sqm min.2
Yield per sqm max.5
Yield reliabilitymedium
Yield notes

Yields can vary depending on variety, plant age, and care.

Site
Sun exposure

Full sun to partial shade

Wind protection

Wind-sheltered

Notes

A sunny location, sheltered from strong winds, is ideal. Avoid waterlogged conditions.

Soil
Soil type

Humus-rich, loose, well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral

PH range
Min.5.5
Max.6.5
Soil amendment

Incorporate plenty of compost or well-rotted manure.

Notes

Raspberries prefer deep, moist, but well-draining soils. Absolutely avoid waterlogging.

Watering
Frequency

Regularly, especially during dry periods and fruit development

Method

Watering at the root zone, e.g., with drip irrigation, is best.

Notes

Consistent soil moisture is important for fruit quality and yield. Avoid wetting the foliage to prevent fungal diseases.

Nutrition
Fertilizer type

Balanced slow-release fertilizer, compost, well-rotted manure

Timing

Spring (at bud break) and after harvest (for summer-bearing) or after pruning (for autumn-bearing).

Notes

Adequate nutrition promotes vigorous growth and abundant fruiting. Avoid over-fertilization.

Cultivation planning
Succession sowing
Possibleno
Bed planning notes

Raspberries form root suckers and should therefore be planted with adequate spacing, ideally in rows.

Rotation prioritymedium
Interplanting potentiallow
Mechanization relevancelow
Crop rotation
Notes

Raspberries should not be planted on areas where other Rosaceae (like strawberries, apples, pears) or Solanaceae (like tomatoes, potatoes) were grown previously. A break of 4-5 years is recommended.

Rotation prioritymedium
Deficiencies
Iron deficiency
Slugiron_deficiency
Name

Iron deficiency

Description

Causes chlorosis (yellowing) of young leaves, while the veins remain green. Often occurs on alkaline, wet soils.

Symptoms
  1. Yellowing of young leaves between the veins
  2. Veins remain green
  3. In severe cases, leaves may drop
Management
Organic
  1. Bodenverbesserung mit saurem Kompost oder Torf
  2. Anwendung von Eisenchelaten (z.B. Fe-EDDHA)
  3. Vermeidung von Staunässe
Notes

Soil pH is critical. If the pH is too high, iron is difficult for the plant to absorb.

Magnesium deficiency
Slugmagnesium_deficiency
Name

Magnesium deficiency

Description

Leads to a characteristic striped chlorosis, where the leaf veins remain green while the areas between them turn yellow. Often starts on older leaves.

Symptoms
  1. Yellowing between the leaf veins, which remain green
  2. Starts on older leaves
  3. Can lead to premature leaf drop
Management
Organic
  1. Anwendung von Bittersalz (Magnesiumsulfat)
  2. Bodenverbesserung mit organischem Material
Notes

Common on sandy soils or when a lot of potassium has been applied.

Problems
Poor fruit set
Slugpoor_fruit_set
Name

Poor fruit set

Description

Insufficient pollination of flowers, resulting in few or small fruits.

Causes
  1. Unzureichende Bestäubung (wenige Bestäuber, schlechtes Wetter während der Blüte)
  2. Extreme Temperaturen (Frost, Hitze) während der Blüte
  3. Nährstoffmangel (insbesondere Stickstoff oder Kalium)
  4. Wassermangel
  5. Krankheiten oder Schädlinge, die die Blüten beeinträchtigen
Management
  1. Encourage pollinators (nearby flower meadow, insect hotels)
  2. Protect blossoms from frost (covering)
  3. Balanced fertilization
  4. Regular watering
  5. Disease and pest control
Fruit dropping
Slugfruit_dropping
Name

Fruit dropping

Description

Premature dropping of fruits before they are ripe.

Causes
  1. Wassermangel oder unregelmäßige Wasserversorgung
  2. Nährstoffmangel
  3. Hitze- oder Trockenstress
  4. Schädlingsbefall (z.B. Himbeerkäferlarven)
  5. Krankheiten (z.B. Pilzbefall)
  6. Unzureichende Bestäubung
Management
  1. Ensure consistent watering
  2. Mulching for moisture retention
  3. Balanced fertilization
  4. Pest and disease control
  5. Promote pollination
Problem management
Common pest groups
  1. Sucking insects (aphids, spider mites)
  2. Beetles and their larvae (raspberry beetle)
Common disease groups
  1. Fungal diseases (rust, grey mould, wilt)
Prevention principles
  1. Site selection: Sunny, wind-sheltered, well-ventilated.
  2. Soil health: Humus-rich, loose, well-draining, regular compost application.
  3. Variety selection: Prefer robust and resistant varieties.
  4. Plant spacing: Adequate spacing for good air circulation.
  5. Watering: Consistent, avoid waterlogging and wetting foliage.
  6. Fertilization: Balanced, according to need.
  7. Hygiene: Remove infested plant parts and weeds.
  8. Crop rotation: Observe a break of 4-5 years.
Diagnosis notes

Observe your plants regularly for signs of pests or diseases. Identify the problem based on symptoms and choose the appropriate control method. Seek expert advice if unsure.

Disease graph
ScopeRaspberry (Rubus idaeus)
Profiles
  1. Slugrust
    Severitymedium
    Conditions
    1. High humidity
    2. Moderate temperatures
    3. Poor air circulation
    Affected parts
    1. Leaves
    2. Canes
    3. Fruits
    Prevention
    1. Choose resistant varieties
    2. Good ventilation
    3. Soil hygiene
    4. Remove infected leaves
    Organic control
    1. Sulfur-based preparations
    2. Copper decoction
    3. Plant extracts
  2. Slugbotrytis_cane_and_leaf_spot
    Severityhigh
    Conditions
    1. High humidity
    2. Cool temperatures
    3. Poor ventilation
    4. Close planting
    Affected parts
    1. Leaves
    2. Canes
    3. Fruits
    Prevention
    1. Good ventilation
    2. Avoid waterlogging
    3. Harvest in dry weather
    4. Remove diseased plant parts
    Organic control
    1. Bacillus subtilis preparations
    2. Plant extracts
    3. Remove infected fruits
  3. Slugverticillium_wilt
    Severityhigh
    Conditions
    1. Moist soils
    2. High temperatures
    3. Stress from drought or nutrient deficiency
    Affected parts
    1. Entire plant
    2. Vascular system
    Prevention
    1. Choose resistant varieties
    2. Observe crop rotation
    3. Promote soil health
    4. Avoid waterlogging
    Organic control
    1. No cure possible
    2. Remove and destroy infected plants
Diagnostic rules
  1. Symptom

    Yellowing of young leaves, veins remain green

    Possible causes
    1. iron_deficiency
    First checks
    1. Check soil pH
    2. Check soil moisture
  2. Symptom

    Yellowing of older leaves between veins, veins remain green

    Possible causes
    1. magnesium_deficiency
    First checks
    1. Soil test for magnesium
    2. Check for excessive potassium fertilization
  3. Symptom

    Yellow-orange pustules on leaf undersides

    Possible causes
    1. rust
    First checks
    1. Inspect affected leaves for visible symptoms
    2. Check weather conditions (humid, moderately warm)
  4. Symptom

    Grey, fuzzy coating on fruits or canes

    Possible causes
    1. botrytis_cane_and_leaf_spot
    First checks
    1. Examine affected fruits/canes
    2. Check humidity and ventilation
  5. Symptom

    One-sided wilting of canes

    Possible causes
    1. verticillium_wilt
    First checks
    1. Cut through affected cane (brown vascular tissue?)
    2. Check soil conditions (waterlogging?)
Prevention strategy
Cultural
  1. Choose a sunny, sheltered location with well-drained soil.
  2. Ensure sufficient plant spacing for good air circulation.
  3. Use good crop rotation and avoid planting where rose-family crops previously grew.
  4. Promote soil health with compost applications and mulching.
  5. Choose robust and disease-resistant varieties.
  6. Regularly remove weeds and infected plant parts.
  7. Provide even watering and avoid waterlogging.
Monitoring
  1. Regularly inspect plants for signs of pests (aphids, beetles, mites) and diseases (spots, wilt, rust).
  2. Pay particular attention to young shoots, leaves, and flowers during growth and flowering.
  3. Check leaf undersides for spider mites and aphids.
  4. Watch fruits for signs of infestation or rot.
Organic first response
  1. For aphid infestation: rinse with water, use beneficial insects (ladybugs, lacewings), or sprays based on neem oil or potassium soap.
  2. For raspberry beetle infestation: regularly collect beetles, apply neem oil, and remove infested fruits.
  3. For spider mite infestation: increase humidity, spray with water, use predatory mites, or apply sprays based on neem oil or potassium soap.
  4. For fungal diseases (rust, gray mold): remove infected parts, improve ventilation, and if needed apply biological fungicides (e.g. Bacillus subtilis, copper mixtures, sulfur products).
  5. For Verticillium wilt: remove and destroy infected plants immediately.
Notes

A combination of preventive measures and prompt action at the first signs of problems is key to healthy raspberry plants and a good harvest.

Diagnosis
Approach

Visual inspection of the plant, considering site conditions and care history.

Common issues
  1. Wilting symptoms on canes

  2. Leaf discoloration (yellowing, spots)

  3. Infestation by insects or mites

  4. Fruit rot or inedible fruits

Diagnostic steps
  1. Identify the affected plant part (leaves, canes, fruits, roots).

  2. Describe the symptoms precisely (color, shape, pattern, spread).

  3. Check environmental conditions (soil moisture, sun exposure, temperature, wind).

  4. Inspect for pests (including on leaf undersides).

  5. Consider possible diseases or nutrient deficiencies.

  6. Consult reference materials or experts if uncertain.

Notes

Early diagnosis allows for targeted and more effective treatment.

Phenology
Stages
  1. Bud break: Spring (March-April)
  2. Flowering: Late spring to early summer (May-July)
  3. Fruit ripening: Summer (June-August) for summer-bearing raspberries, late summer to autumn (August-October) for autumn-bearing raspberries
  4. Leaf fall: Late autumn
Notes

The exact phenology depends heavily on the variety and climatic conditions. Autumn-bearing raspberries often flower and fruit on one-year-old wood.

Harvest
Months
  1. 6
  2. 7
  3. 8
  4. 9
  5. 10
Earliest month6
Latest month10
Notes

Harvest time varies by variety. Summer raspberries ripen from June to August, autumn raspberries from August to October.

Harvest details
Harvest frequency

Daily to every other day during the harvest period, as fruits ripen quickly.

Harvest indicators
  1. Fruits are fully colored (color depends on variety, usually red, but yellow or black are also possible).
  2. Fruits detach easily from the receptacle without falling apart.
  3. Fruits are soft and have an aromatic scent.
Post harvest handling

Raspberries are very delicate. Pick carefully, do not crush. Store cool, as they spoil quickly.

Storage
Notes

Raspberries do not store well and should be consumed as fresh as possible. Longer storage is only possible under special conditions (freezing).

Storage details
General storage category

Short-term fresh storage, freezing

Storage life

Refrigerated (0-4°C): 1-3 days. Frozen: 6-12 months.

Processing options
  1. Gefriertrocknung
  2. Einkochen
  3. Einlegen in Alkohol
  4. Trocknen
  5. Gefrieren
Kitchen usage

Raspberries are versatile: eaten fresh, in desserts (cakes, pies, ice cream, yogurt), jams, jellies, juices, smoothies, liqueurs, and as a side to savory dishes.

Safety and edibility
Edible parts
  1. Fruit
Inedible or caution parts
  1. Leaves and stems (raw, in large quantities)
Toxicity notes

Raspberries are non-toxic. The leaves can be used in moderation as tea, but raw consumption is not recommended.

Raw consumption

The fruits are edible raw and taste best freshly harvested.

Seed saving

Propagation is usually done vegetatively (root suckers, cuttings). Seeds are not suitable for propagating cultivars as they do not come true to type.

Seed saving advanced

For breeding new varieties, seeds can be obtained. Fruits are crushed, seeds separated from pulp residue, and stratified after drying.

Woody crop details
Training systems to research
  1. post_and_wire
  2. trellis
  3. arch
Rootstock relevancenot_applicable
Renewal pruning relevancehigh
Notes

Raspberries are vigorous growers and require support. Distinguishing between summer-bearing and autumn-bearing types is crucial for pruning.

Ecology
Pollinator valuemedium
Wildlife valuemedium
Biodiversity notes

Raspberry blossoms provide nectar and pollen for bees and other insects. The fruits are a food source for birds and small mammals. The plant itself offers habitat and shelter.

Practical notes

Raspberries are relatively undemanding, but a good harvest requires attention. Pay attention to the correct variety selection (summer vs. autumn-bearing), a sunny, wind-sheltered location, and stable support. Pruning is crucial: summer-bearing raspberries are pruned after harvest, autumn-bearing raspberries in spring. Regular watering, especially during dry spells, and annual fertilization with compost promote growth and fruiting. Watch out for pests and diseases and act promptly.

Seasonal content
Spring

In spring, the raspberry season begins with pruning (especially for autumn-bearing varieties) and planting new bushes. Pay attention to bud break and the first shoots that need support.

Summer

Summer is the main harvest season for raspberries. Regular watering and harvesting are essential. For summer-bearing varieties, fruited canes are removed.

Autumn

Harvesting of autumn-bearing raspberries continues. After harvest, the fruited canes are pruned. The soil should be prepared for winter.

Winter

In winter, raspberry bushes are dormant. This is the time for the main pruning of summer-bearing raspberries and planning for the next season.