The ever-bearing raspberry, also called dual-bearing or autumn-bearing raspberry, produces fruit twice a year:
- Early Season (late spring to early summer): Fruits grow on the canes that developed the previous season.
- Late Season (late summer to early autumn): Fruits grow on the tips of new canes that developed in the current growing season.
These raspberries typically grow as thorny or thornless brambles, reaching 1.5–2.5 metres in height. They thrive in well-drained soil with full sun exposure.
Propagation of Ever-Bearing Raspberries
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From Suckers:
- Look for new shoots (suckers) growing from the plant’s roots.
- Dig up the sucker, ensuring it has a portion of root attached.
- Replant immediately in well-prepared soil.
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By Tip Layering:
- Bend the tip of a healthy cane to the ground and bury it 5–8 cm deep.
- Secure it with a stake or stone.
- Roots will form, and the tip can be separated and replanted after 4–6 weeks.
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By Division:
- During winter dormancy, dig up a mature plant and divide the root ball into sections, ensuring each has several buds.
- Replant immediately.
Cultivation Tips
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Site Selection:
- Choose a location with full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5).
- Avoid waterlogged or windy areas.
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Planting:
- Plant in late winter or early spring (July–September in New Zealand).
- Space plants 50–60 cm apart in rows 1.5–2 metres apart.
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Watering:
- Water deeply during dry periods, especially when fruit is developing.
- Avoid overhead watering to minimise fungal diseases.
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Mulching and Weeding:
- Apply a 5–10 cm layer of mulch (e.g., straw, wood chips) to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
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Pruning:
- After summer fruiting: Cut spent floricanes (old canes that bore fruit) to ground level.
- After autumn fruiting: Prune the fruited tips of primocanes (current season’s growth) but leave the lower sections for the next summer’s crop.
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Feeding:
- Add compost or well-rotted manure in late winter.
- Use a balanced fertiliser in early spring to boost cane growth and fruit production.
Uses and Benefits
Culinary Uses:
- Fresh: Enjoy raspberries raw in fruit salads, desserts, or smoothies.
- Preserved: Make jams, jellies, syrups, or freeze them for later use.
- Baking: Use in muffins, cakes, and pies.
Health Benefits:
- High in antioxidants, vitamin C, and dietary fibre.
- Supports immune function, digestion, and heart health.
Environmental Benefits:
- Wildlife-friendly: Provides nectar for pollinators and food for birds.
- Acts as a natural windbreak and contributes to soil health.
Raspberries in a Forest Garden
Raspberries are an excellent addition to a forest garden due to their ability to thrive in layered ecosystems:
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Positioning:
- Place in the shrub layer where they receive dappled sunlight or full sun.
- Plant along edges or as part of a productive hedge.
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Companion Planting:
- Grow near nitrogen-fixing plants (e.g., clover or lupins) to enrich the soil.
- Avoid planting with solanaceous crops (e.g., tomatoes, potatoes) to reduce the risk of shared pests and diseases.
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Ecosystem Role:
- Improves biodiversity by attracting pollinators and beneficial insects.
- The thicket-like growth provides shelter for small animals.
With their dual harvests and versatility, ever-bearing raspberries are a valuable addition to any sustainable, multi-purpose garden system.
