Raspberries in Edinburgh
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.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Raspberry
Planting Calendar
Growing Guide for
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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.
Plant Bare-Root Canes
26 Oct – 5 MarPlant bare-root canes from 26th October to 5th March 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.
Water To Establish
30 Dec – 29 AprFrom 30th December, 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.
Feed And Mulch
1 Mar – 31 Marevery 365 daysMulch from 1st March 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.
Net Against Birds
14 Jul – 3 AugSet netting from 14th 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.
Harvest Ripe Fruit
14 Jul – 6 OctPick from 14th July to 6th October as berries fully colour and separate with a gentle pull. Harvest often, since fruit can keep ripening right through the picking period.
Cut Canes To The Ground
14 Feb – 16 MarIn late winter, from 14th February to 16th 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.
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