Raspberries
Raspberries are lovely at Christmas. Everyone loves them.
If growing them be aware that they like to spread via underground roots and can quite quickly take over an area.
Today there are dwarf raspberries which are suitable for growing in a large pot or tub. This contains the root spread and as they are especially developed for pots produce good berries.
Commercially growing raspberries are in long rows with plenty of room for them to spread out along the row. Mechanical pruning of suckers that come up in between the rows keeps the walkways clear.
Growing in Pots/tubs
Picking fruit
Fruit matures at different times. Regular picking will give a good supply.
After fruiting
Note: Some dwarf varieties fruit continuously.
Prune off down to ground level any of the stems that have fruited leaving the new stems that have not fruited to continue growing for next seasons crop.
Apply some compost or potting mix to the surface.
Pests and diseases
Well growing they re relatively pest and disease free.
Bud moth will lay eggs and produce little grubs but these are easily controlled with a mild insecticide.
DO NOT apply insecticides when it is in flower. Bees visit the flower and pollinate the flowers for better fruiting.
Birds
Again birds, like grandchildren love raspberries. Cover with a bird clover.
If growing them be aware that they like to spread via underground roots and can quite quickly take over an area.
Today there are dwarf raspberries which are suitable for growing in a large pot or tub. This contains the root spread and as they are especially developed for pots produce good berries.
Commercially growing raspberries are in long rows with plenty of room for them to spread out along the row. Mechanical pruning of suckers that come up in between the rows keeps the walkways clear.
Growing in Pots/tubs
- Use a large pot which has plenty of soil as the root system is quite strong.
- Use a prepared pot/tub mix for fruiting bushes.
- Plant the raspberry in the middle of the pots - these are usually dwarf growing varieties
- Make sure it is well watered and there is some room to top up with compost during the growing season.
- Install a few stakes around the outside to be able to tie string around the stakes to keep the new stems enclosed.
- Keep the soil mix moist at all times
- Flowers and buds are susceptible to frost damage in late spring. Cover with frost protection.
Picking fruit
Fruit matures at different times. Regular picking will give a good supply.
After fruiting
Note: Some dwarf varieties fruit continuously.
Prune off down to ground level any of the stems that have fruited leaving the new stems that have not fruited to continue growing for next seasons crop.
Apply some compost or potting mix to the surface.
Pests and diseases
Well growing they re relatively pest and disease free.
Bud moth will lay eggs and produce little grubs but these are easily controlled with a mild insecticide.
DO NOT apply insecticides when it is in flower. Bees visit the flower and pollinate the flowers for better fruiting.
Birds
Again birds, like grandchildren love raspberries. Cover with a bird clover.