Back to Results
Fruit
Raspberry

Raspberries in Durham

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.

Height180cm
SunlightFull Sun
WaterHigh Water

Growing Guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Raspberry

Planting Calendar

TransplantLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
FertiliseLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
PruneLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
HarvestNow
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
MaintenanceNow
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Growing Guide for

Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.

Choose this for later-cropping types grown in a sunny, sheltered bed. They fruit on new canes, so pruning is simpler and the crop starts later.

  1. Plant Bare-Root Canes

    26 Nov – 5 Apr

    Plant bare-root canes from 26th November to 5th April in fertile, moisture-retentive soil. Water in thoroughly at planting and keep the roots evenly moist until the plants are established. Container-grown stock can be planted when conditions suit.

  2. Water To Establish

    30 Jan – 30 May

    From 30th January, water new canes regularly through the first growing season, especially in dry weather. A mulch of garden compost will help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

  3. Feed And Mulch

    18 Feb – 20 Mar
    every 365 days

    Mulch from 18th February with compost or well-rotted manure, then give a general feed if growth is poor. Repeat every 365 days while the canes are growing strongly.

  4. Net Against Birds

    3 Jul – 23 Jul

    Set netting from 3rd July before the fruit starts to colour. Keep the canes easy to reach for picking, and secure the net to stop birds getting in underneath.

  5. Harvest Ripe Fruit

    3 Jul – 6 Nov

    Pick from 3rd July to 6th November as berries fully colour and separate with a gentle pull. Harvest often, since fruit can keep ripening right through the picking period.

  6. Cut Canes To The Ground

    3 Feb – 5 Mar

    In late winter, from 3rd February to 5th March, cut all canes down to ground level before new growth starts. Clear away the old growth so the new shoots can come away cleanly next season.

Companion Plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Raspberry.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

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.

Also in nearby towns

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