🫐 Raspberry: Growing Guide
Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) grows best in full sun with regular watering, and does well at −20 to 29 °C (−4 to 84 °F) in soil with a pH of 5.5–6.5. Space plants about 50 cm (20 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Rubus idaeus |
|---|---|
| Category | Berries |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Regular |
| Plant spacing | 50 cm (20 in) |
| Soil pH | 5.5–6.5 |
| Comfortable temperature | −20 to 29 °C (−4 to 84 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 5 cm (2 in) |
| Height | 100–200 cm (39–79 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | |||||||
| Continental | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Oceanic | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||
| Subtropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||
| Cold / Northern | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar–Apr, Sep · Harvest: May–Jun.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jul.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May–Jul.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Mar, Aug · Harvest: Apr–May, Sep–Oct.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jun.
Watering
Water about every 3 days in summer and about every 7 days in winter. Steady moisture for a good harvest.
Growing tips
Summer and autumn varieties. Autumn Bliss and Glen Lyon.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Raspberry: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar–Apr, Sep · Harvest: May–Jun. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jul. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May–Jul.
Raspberry: how often should I water it?
Water about every 3 days in summer and about every 7 days in winter. Steady moisture for a good harvest.
Raspberry: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 50 cm (20 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 5 cm (2 in).
Raspberry: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Raspberry: which plants grow well with it?
Garlic, Juniper.
Raspberry: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Botrytis, Aphids.
Plan your garden
Add Raspberry to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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