[Glosterboy]

Might be a silly question!!!!!

But, I am thinking of planting both summer and autumn fruiting raspberry canes. Can they both be planted in the same area? Or is there a likelihood of them cross-pollinating and from the second year onwards I will not have "true" summer and autumn fruiting canes?

Thanks

[DD.]

Roots do not cross pollinate, that's left to the seeds.

[Jonajo]

I planted my autumn and summer ones together back in March - mainly because i mixed the canes up by accident and they have all given lots of fruit already. Even though I wasn't expecting hte summer ones to fruit in their first year.

[SG6]

They should pollinate each other and improve the crop but if mixed up the pruning regime will be more difficult.

Why not plant in 2 rows next to each other, improved pollination and you would know which is which.

[DD.]

Raspberries are self-fertile and do not need other nearby plants in order to pollinate.

The flowers are self-fertile and pollinated by insects, so avoid a very windy site unless you can put up windbreaks or shelterbelts.

[beansticks]

AS stated keep them separate,or pruning will be confusing.

[SG6]

DD: Lots of plants are self fertile, it is also well know that another variety close by helps them produce more. You should try it and see if you get a better crop.

[DD.]

How would that work, then, when all my raspberry flowers have turned into raspberries anyway, the same as with my tomatoes?

[beansticks]

Further to my previous post,i would also advise leaving at least 6 ft between rows,otherwise harvesting becomes difficult if it has rained ,you will get soaked trying to walk between the rows .I speak from experience.

[Kristen]

Re: Pruning

If you cut down any canes that have fruited, after they finish fruiting, you will be fine (regardless of whether they were Summer or Autumn types).

Aim to get them cut down before Winter sets in, but immediately after fruiting is fine too.

[beansticks]

Re: Pruning



Aim to get them cut down before Winter sets in, but immediately after fruiting is fine too.

I only grow summer fruiting ones,but the guy on the next plot grows Autumn Bliss and he never cuts them down until February.Gets a good crop every year.

[DD.]

I've got a lot of Autumn Bliss. Cutting down any time after fruiting, but before new shoots in spring does me!

[Kristen]

"he never cuts them down until February"

Yup, there is no rush, before the new season shoots appear is fine, as DD says.

I just don't really want to be out there in the wet and cold, nor trying to sort them out in a foot of snow!