How to Grow Heritage Red Raspberries

Select a full-sun planting area and test the soil to determine if the pH is 5.5 to 6.0. Work in ground rock sulfur to lower the pH value or limestone to increase the pH value. Amend the soil according to the package instructions for the size of the garden.

Add 3 inches of organic compost to the garden when making pH amendments. Till the compost and amendments into the soil to a depth of approximately 8 inches. Let the garden rest for two weeks before planting.

Prepare the raspberry garden by building 18-inch wide by 10-inch high planting mounds. Set the rows 2 feet apart for cane spread as the plants mature. Plant the raspberry canes 3 feet apart in the row and the same depth as they were previously growing.

Prune the raspberry canes to 6 inches tall immediately after planting to promote new, strong growth. Apply a 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the canes to assist with moisture retention and inhibit weed growth.

Apply a generous soaking of water around the canes to assist with root establishment. Keep the soil evenly moist for two weeks after planting. Provide supplemental water to the raspberry canes when there is less than 1 inch of rain each week.

Fertilize the raspberry canes with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer when the blooms first appear and again after berry harvest. Avoid pouring fertilizer directly onto the plants to prevent burn.

Prune to remove all two-year-old raspberries canes after berry harvest to promote new growth for berry production the next season.

Prune the raspberry canes each spring by removing all dead and damaged canes at ground level. Cut back tall canes to keep them a maximum height of 5 feet. Pruning the canes in spring stimulates an early summer and late summer harvest.