When to plant Raspberries in Aberdeen

Rubus idaeus

Raspberry
Raspberry · Rubus idaeus

A hardy cane fruit for UK gardens, best grown in a sunny, sheltered spot with fertile, moisture-retentive soil. Plant bare-root canes while dormant, keep them well watered in the first season, mulch each spring, and tie in new growth so the plants stay productive.

180 cm · Full Sun · High Water

Calibrated to Aberdeen · last frost ≈ 30 Apr

Plant out November to February, harvest June to July. Frost risk October to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Plant outYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYes
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.

Grow these in the ground or large containers in a sunny, sheltered spot. They fruit on canes made the previous year, so the first crop comes after establishment.

  1. 01

    Plant Bare-Root Canes

    17 Nov to 10 Feb 2027

    Plant bare-root canes from 17th November to 10th February 2027 in well-dug, fertile soil. Set them at the same depth they were growing before, water in thoroughly straight away, and keep the soil evenly moist. Container-grown plants can be planted at other times if the ground is workable.

  2. 02

    Water To Establish

    15 May to 29 Jul 2027

    From 15th May 2027, begin watering newly planted canes as soon as growth starts in spring. Water regularly through dry spells so roots spread well, giving a deep soak during dry weather rather than frequent light watering.

  3. 03

    Feed And Mulch

    16 Mar to 15 Apr 2027 Optional · repeat every 365 days

    Top-dress from 16th March 2027 with compost or well-rotted manure. If growth looks weak, apply a balanced feed, repeating every 365 days while the plants are in active growth.

  4. 04

    Net Against Birds

    4 Jun to 14 Jun 2027

    Put netting in place from 4th June 2027 before the berries start to colour. Support the net well so birds cannot get under it, and check access for picking.

  5. 05

    Harvest Ripe Fruit

    24 Jun to 29 Jul 2027

    Pick from 24th June 2027 to 29th July 2027 as soon as the berries are fully coloured and come away easily. Harvest every couple of days in dry weather, and use shallow containers so the fruit does not squash.

  6. 06

    Remove Fruited Canes

    31 Jul to 28 Aug 2027

    After harvest, from 31st July 2027 cut out the canes that fruited this year at ground level and tie in the strongest new shoots. Leave this season's replacement canes in place for next year's crop and keep the row tidy.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Raspberry to consider

Glen Ample

A widely grown summer-fruiting raspberry with large, good-flavoured berries and strong yields.

Malling Jewel

An early summer-fruiting variety that crops well in UK gardens and is often grown for reliable flavour.

Autumn Bliss

A classic autumn-fruiting raspberry with easy-picking fruit and a long cropping season.

Polka

A productive autumn-fruiting variety that gives good-quality berries over a long picking period.

Raspberry guides by town

See how Raspberry timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.