Raspberry Species

Summer Bearing

• Summer bearing raspberry species feature a biennial habit that produces only one crop in the summer months. These raspberry types are the most commonly planted raspberries. After one year of growth, summer bearing species will begin to produce fruit. Willamette is the leading species of red raspberries for commercial use. Its low sugar content produces a tart flavor. Meeker and Chilliwack contain a high amount of sugar and produce well-flavored berries that work well in pies, jellies and jams.

Ever Bearing

• Everbearing species produce cane that bear fruit on both the top and bottom portions of the current season’s growth in late summer and fall. If you leave the old growth intact, the everbearing raspberries produce berries on both the new and last season’s growth. This provides berries during both the summer and fall seasons. Heritage is an adaptable ever bearing raspberry species that produces firm, medium sized fruit. Redwing is almost identical to heritage except for its ability to mature up to 14 days before the heritage species.

Colors

• Besides the common red color, raspberry species are available in several colors each with their own distinctive differences. Mungar is a small to medium black raspberry species that features a blue-black color and works well for freezing and preserves. A firm berry, mungar requires a location with well-drained soil. Purple raspberries are the love child of black and red raspberries, and are a common favorite for pies. Royalty, Amethyst and Brandywine are all purple raspberry species that produce an abundance of large fruit. Yellow and amber-colored raspberries, such as fallgold, goldie and amber, are an altered version of the red raspberry species. They feature most of the same characteristics as red raspberry with the only major difference being the color.

Considerations

• To increase the crop yield, plant both summer bearing and everbearing species in your garden. Always follow the recommended planting instructions for your specific species of raspberry plant. In addition, purchase disease-free, certified plants from a reputable nursery. This minimizes the risk of infecting your entire garden with pests or diseases carried in from infected plants.