Black Raspberry Propagation From Cuttings

Planting Site

• Black raspberry shrubs should be planted in deep, well-drained soil. The plants require rich, moist soil; loam is ideal. The roots of the black raspberry may grow as long as 4 feet, so deep soil is a necessity. The plants need full sunlight to flower and fruit properly. Do not plant black raspberries near building or trees that create shade. Black raspberries are susceptible to verticillium wilt. Avoid the disease by avoiding planting sites where tomatoes, strawberries, eggplants and potatoes were planted in the previous five years.

Taking Cuttings

• Cuttings may be taken from the roots or the branches of the black raspberry plant. The best time to take cuttings is fall or spring, when the plant is still dormant but garden soil is not yet too cold and hard to work. The shock to the plant is less severe during dormancy, when no active growth occurs. Take cuttings using clean, sharp pruning shears that make neat cuts.

Stem Cuttings

• Stem cuttings, more commonly called softwood cuttings, are taken from tender new growth of black raspberry shrubs. Remove stem cuttings from the base of the raspberry plant in late spring. The cutting should be between 4 and 6 inches in length. Remove all flowers from the cutting and strip away all leaves from the lower half. Plant the cutting 2 inches deep in a rich, light potting medium. New cuttings should be well watered and placed in indirect, bright light. Rooting begins in approximately six weeks.

Root Cuttings

• Root cuttings are taken from strong, healthy roots that are thin enough to cut easily. Take the cutting from the outer perimeter of the root cluster. The cutting should be only 3 to 4 inches long. Plant the cutting 3 inches deep in light, moist soil. When it grows 5 to 8 inches tall, transplant it to a more permanent place in the garden, where it grows into a new raspberry shrub.