[tadpole]

My question is simple, what are the advantages or disadvantages in growing raspberry from seeds. I know it takes a year or two longer to get fruit, but other than the time it takes, is there other problems or advantages from doing it from seeds.
Same with black/red currents.
 
I fancy trying it, but if I get a plant that give me nothing or next to nothing in three years time I don't think I'll bother, but if I get a plant in three years time that is as good as or better than growing from canes, I'm up for the challenge.
If viable to grow from seed then:-
What good varieties are there that can be grown from seed?
Where to get the seeds from and how much do good seeds cost?
Part of the reason for my question is I'm not made of money, and seeds seem to be a cheaper option. secondly If you get 40 - 50 seeds in a packet and maybe 15- 20 plants grow to fruit,  that has to be better than paying the cost  price of one cane, for the seeds.

[mumofstig]

I can't think of any advantage really - finding seed is not easy, but, you could always save the seed from a variety you like 

The only place I can find is selling seed from mixed varieties
http://www.plant-world-seeds.com/store/view_seed_item/2549

However, if it's just the cost that's putting you off, raspberries throw out runners at a rate of knots so a couple of plants would pretty soon give you a row if you split the runners of on a regular basis
Or ask for some from from someone who has loads - usually growing where they're not wanted 

[Beetroot queen]

I can't think of any advantage really - finding seed is not easy, but, you could always save the seed from a variety you like 

The only place I can find is selling seed from mixed varieties
http://www.plant-world-seeds.com/store/view_seed_item/2549

However, if it's just the cost that's putting you off, raspberries throw out runners at a rate of knots so a couple of plants would pretty soon give you a row if you split the runners of on a regular basis
Or ask for some from from someone who has loads - usually growing where they're not wanted 

I agree with all of the above, especially the growing where they're not wanted. I have managed to rehome some with the help on here.

Once you have them they make their homes very quickly indeed  :blink:

[tadpole]

thank you for your replies. I'll start saving for a couple of plants then, hopefully they'll will run riot in the near future and grow enough to make me some raspberry whisky.

[mumofstig]

Have you got a Poundland shop round your way?

They have canes for.................I don't have to tell you the price do I? 

[Beetroot queen]

thank you for your replies. I'll start saving for a couple of plants then, hopefully they'll will run riot in the near future and grow enough to make me some raspberry whisky.

Well remind you of that in the near future 

[tadpole]

Have you got a Poundland shop round your way?

They have canes for.................I don't have to tell you the price do I? 

I'm a bit weary of pound shops for plants, they can't be very good quality, if the shop is selling them and making a profit on them, can they?

[Beetroot queen]

Have you got a Poundland shop round your way?

They have canes for.................I don't have to tell you the price do I? 

I'm a bit weary of pound shops for plants, they can't be very good quality, if the shop is selling them and making a profit on them, can they?

It's a risk as always in poundland but remember it is a pound. My three tayberries all took very well, ok I lost the blueberry I had but the very expensive blueberry I brought from the garden centre isn't much better looking.

I am happy to take a risk with poundland, sometimes it works sometimes not. 

[tadpole]

You're right of course,  it is only a pound. I could spend £2.30 on  raspberry seeds and have none come up.  I'll have to have a hunt round and see if there is a pound shop still selling gardening stuff.
thanks

[Beetroot queen]

You're right of course,  it is only a pound. I could spend £2.30 on  raspberry seeds and have none come up.  I'll have to have a hunt round and see if there is a pound shop still selling gardening stuff.
thanks

I would also have a chat to plot neighbours, if your ever down near Yeovil give me a shout as I am always pulling them out, I have a few new buckets of runners, they look a bit rough right now but they'll put back all the others have.

[Auntiemogs]

It may also be worth looking on Freecycle.   

[cooperman]

I started a new raspberry patch two years ago - bought 12 canes from a reputable local nursery (NOT a garden centre) for about a tenner.  Admittedly these where just small whips and looked a bit miserable BUT two years down the line they have bushed up wonderfully and going bonkers.....

[Headgardener22]

Surely if its money saving you're after, there's somebody on another allotment nearby who's got some runners to spare?

They might even know what variety they are.

[gavinjconway]

Have you got a Poundland shop round your way?

They have canes for.................I don't have to tell you the price do I? 

I'm a bit weary of pound shops for plants, they can't be very good quality, if the shop is selling them and making a profit on them, can they?

Hi Tad... Pound shop gets "end of run extras" products at cheaper than cheap rates so they can sell for a pound. Even the onions sets, spuds and fruit bushes are "end of run extras".  Like the growmore and BFB in normal shops is 3.99 or so.. Does this mean you wont buy growmore for a quid because it may be suspect? Nooo their stuff is normally good except for the real junk they also have.  But in saying that you do have to look at the condition of the plants. Sometimes they are way past their best!!

[tadpole]

Have you got a Poundland shop round your way?

They have canes for.................I don't have to tell you the price do I? 

I'm a bit weary of pound shops for plants, they can't be very good quality, if the shop is selling them and making a profit on them, can they?

Hi Tad... Pound shop gets "end of run extras" products at cheaper than cheap rates so they can sell for a pound. Even the onions sets, spuds and fruit bushes are "end of run extras".  Like the growmore and BFB in normal shops is 3.99 or so.. Does this mean you wont buy growmore for a quid because it may be suspect? Nooo their stuff is normally good except for the real junk they also have.  But in saying that you do have to look at the condition of the plants. Sometimes they are way past their best!!

So let me get this right,  what you are saying is poundland sell "end of line" and "Junk" plus I have to watch for plants that "are past their best"  So really I have every reason to be weary of buying plants from poundland, plants that have been hanging about unsold in other shops warehouses, and then sent to poundland for their staff to not to know how to look after them.

And I'm meant to know which 'stick like cane' is junk and is past its best from a 'stick like cane' that is prime for planting. At least with seeds I can sow thirty in my own compost and watch it grow all for the price of a single (possibly) dead stick from poundland. I'm a new boy on my new allotment and don't feel I know anyone enough to go begging stuff from strangers, especially as I have not seen anyone on 95% of the allotment at my new site.