Raspberries in December

farmerdave · « **on:** December 08, 2007, 18:11 »

Planted some autumn raspberries in May this year. They made a half hearted effort at fruiting in September and I got just a few fruits, but then there was a second flush which I have just picked. Only problem was they were tasteless! Should I now cut them all back? I don't want them to get out of sync with the seasons and end up with Christmas raspberries each year!

farmerdave

DD. · « **Reply #1 on:** December 08, 2007, 18:18 »

Yes - NEXT!!!

gobs · « **Reply #2 on:** December 08, 2007, 19:48 »

They will fruit better from their second year on. And fruiting in Dec is not an out of season freak, they start in July and keep on going whilst the weather is mild enough for them.

It is starting to be hard to put a time on when to cut them for freak of weather, it's when it's properly cold winter.

crowndale · « **Reply #3 on:** December 08, 2007, 22:00 »

Mine did the same, looked gorgeous but were completely tasteless. Will be cutting them back as soon as I can face the weather!

gobs · « **Reply #4 on:** December 08, 2007, 22:29 »

What tasteless variety you are both growing, if I may ask? And why?

DD. · « **Reply #5 on:** December 08, 2007, 22:33 »

I bet it's only the out of season berries that are tasteless, mine have done the same. The main crop is absolutely gorgeous. (Autumn Bliss).

flowerlady · « **Reply #6 on:** December 11, 2007, 19:02 »

I have some fabulous Joan J's that have fruited right into winter too

... how far down does one have to prune them ... is 2-3 buds too low??

DD. · « **Reply #7 on:** December 11, 2007, 19:08 »

Quote from: "flowerlady"

I have some fabulous Joan J's that have fruited right into winter too

... how far down does one have to prune them ... is 2-3 buds too low??

Autumn varieties need to be removed completely. They will throw up entirely new canes come spring.

gobs · « **Reply #8 on:** December 11, 2007, 20:48 »

I've got Joan, too. I think they are fabulous, I believe they are a sport of Autumn Bliss.

I do cut them down to about one inch up from ground level in Feb.

noshed · « **Reply #9 on:** December 11, 2007, 23:00 »

Mine are lovely - Walthamstow specials. Summer fruiting so easy to prune. I mulched them at the weekend.

Salkeela · « **Reply #10 on:** December 11, 2007, 23:46 »

Quote from: "DD."

Autumn varieties need to be removed completely. They will throw up entirely new canes come spring.

Last year I left a single cane per plant at about 2' high. These fruit quite early in the season on side shoots, and the new shoots from the base fruit a bit later. As others have said the new shoots continue fruiting till the cold.

I've done the same again this year..... Comments?

gobs · « **Reply #11 on:** December 12, 2007, 11:38 »

If I understand you right, Salkeela you are forcing autumn raspberry to fruit earlier than it would. If you get enough fruit, why not?

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