Can I Plant Red & Black Raspberries Together?

Wild Brambles

• New raspberry plants, regardless of the color of the berries, should never be planted near old, possibly diseased or wild-growing raspberries. This is especially true of old wild-growing red raspberries. Red raspberries can be infected with viruses and show no symptoms. Any old raspberries or brambles growing within 1,000 feet of the planting site should be destroyed even if they appear healthy.

Plant Quality

• Plant good quality nursery stock that has been inspected and certified as virus-indexed plants that are free of disease. Resist taking raspberry plants of any type from a neighbor or friend and do not dig up and transplant raspberries found growing wild. Even if they seem to be disease- and pest-free, they may still be infected. Raspberries are highly susceptible to viral infections.

Aphids

• Even with good quality nursery stock that has been certified disease-free, plant red and yellow raspberries at least 700 feet from black and purple raspberries. Planting black and purple raspberries upwind of red and yellow raspberries can also help thwart the spread of viruses. While raspberries can fall victim to about a dozen types of insects, aphids are the most harmful. Aphids pick up viruses by feeding on infected plants, then move on to a healthy plant to feed, spreading the virus. Aphids usually are spread from plant to plant by the wind.

Verticillium Wilt

• Raspberries also should not be planted near cherries, cucumbers, eggplants, peppers, potatoes, squashes, strawberries and tomatoes because they are all susceptible to verticillium wilt. Do not plant raspberries where any of these other fruits or vegetables have grown in the previous two years. Treating the area with a broad-spectrum fumigant can also eliminate the fungal disease.