When to plant Raspberries in London

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 London · last frost ≈ 4 Apr

Plant out November to February, harvest May to July. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Plant outYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYes
HarvestNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNo

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

    30 Nov to 23 Feb 2027

    Plant bare-root canes from 30th November to 23rd 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

    19 Apr to 3 Jul 2027

    From 19th April 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

    18 Feb to 20 Mar 2027 Optional · repeat every 365 days

    Top-dress from 18th February 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

    9 May to 19 May 2027

    Put netting in place from 9th May 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

    29 May to 3 Jul 2027

    Pick from 29th May 2027 to 3rd 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

    5 Jul to 2 Aug 2027

    After harvest, from 5th 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.