How to Maintain Wild Raspberries

Wild black raspberries grow across North America, Britain and parts of Europe. Black raspberries prefer soil conditions in fields, by the side of the road and in forest clearings. Wild black raspberries grow to 6 feet high in thickets of entangled growth. The life span of the branches, or canes, of black raspberries is two years. During the second year the canes produce berries. Proper pruning, rooting and protection from wildlife help maintain wild black raspberries for future propagation and fruit production.

Pruning shears
Manure
Mulch material
Disease control spray
Pesticide spray

Instructions

- 1
  Remove dead, broken and diseased canes with pruning shears in early summer. Pruning keeps wild raspberries from being too tangled and keeps the thicket at a reasonable size.
- 2
  Cut back healthy canes to about 24 to 36 inches and shorten lateral sprouts to about 6 inches. Pruning promotes healthy, new growth for producing new berries.
- 3
  Apply manure, compost, straw or mulch around the base of black raspberry bushes. Mulching and manure fertilize the soil and help it retain water.
- 4
  Dip the tip of a healthy cane into the soil to propagate black raspberries. The tip will develop a rooting system of its own. After roots form, you can transplant the black raspberry bush to another location, preferably in well-draining loam soil.
- 5
  Check the black raspberry bushes for diseases and insect damage. If you see brown or gray spots on the leaves, spray with a multi-purpose disease control chemical. Use an insecticide approved for fruit-bearing plants if you see insects on the leaves.

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