Golden Raspberry

The Golden Raspberry (Rubus Idaeus) is actually a hybrid version of the red raspberry but has all of the same planting and caring requirements. Recommended for USDA growing zones 4-9, it can be grown almost anywhere and has the capability to withstand not only extreme cold temperatures, but subtropical climates as well. . Placing a trellis or fence next to your plant will help support the heavy canes, especially during harvesting time in late June through October. They produce plump, sweet and succulent berries high in antioxidants that can range in color from a pale yellow to orange-gold.

Location: Choose a location that offers full sun and gives the raspberries good air circulation. Areas that encounter high winds can pose a threat to the canes and should be avoided. Also, be sure there are no wild blackberries growing nearby which could spread diseases that can prove harmful to your plant. The soil should be nutrient dense and well-draining.

Planting Instructions: Black raspberries and red raspberries (Goldens are a red hybrid) must be planted at least 100 feet from each other to prevent cross pollination.

1) If possible, plant your raspberries early in the spring. If you live in a warmer area of the country plant in late winter.
2) A week before you plant, prepare the soil with compost or aged manure, plants prefer slightly acidic soil.
3) Dig a hole twice the width and the same depth as the root ball.
4) For multiple plants, space raspberries about 3 feet apart, in rows 8 feet apart.
5) A trellis or a fence can provide extra support for growth. If you chose to use this option, do it from the beginning of planting so the plants are not disturbed when maturing.

Watering: Water your raspberry plant at a rate of 1 inch of water per week. Increase water as necessary during dry periods but do not over water.

Pruning: Raspberry roots are perennial but the canes only live for two years. First year stems have green canes (primocanes) and second year stems have a thin brown bark (floricanes). You need to know the difference to prune correctly. Prune raspberries in the fall, leaving about 6 of the thickest, strongest green canes. Make sure you cut off any sideways growing canes.

Fertilizer: You can use compost with a small amount of balanced organic fertilizer, applying late in the winter. It’s also a good idea to spread mulch in the planting area to maintain moisture and discourage weed growth.

Pests: Raspberries are not prone to many diseases but are susceptible to powdery mildew. The fungus can rob raspberries of vital nutrients and weaken the plant. The disease looks like a dusting of flour and usually starts off in circular white spots. If left untreated, the plant’s leaves will begin to yellow and dry out. To treat, remove all infected leaves/fruit and make sure never to use these parts as compost. Use a fungicide which contains sulfur or neem oil.

Tips:
*If you don’t want to trellis your raspberries, just let them grow in a slightly arched position so they have ample room as the fruit ripens.
*Prune away the shoots that grow up from the roots as well as old or damaged canes which will better enable the surviving canes to produce lots of berries.
*Raspberries are susceptible to some of the same diseases as tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and potatoes so don’t plant them in an area where members of the Solanaceae family have recently grown.