Raspberries are delicious and refreshing fruits. Unfortunately, they tend to be quite expensive. But did you know that you can grow them in your yard? And you know what the best part is?
They are not particularly challenging to grow, and, under the ideal conditions, raspberry plants will produce fruits non-stop for more than a month!
Quick Answer
Plant raspberries in late spring if you live in Oregon. April and May are ideal months to add your raspberry plants to your yard.
Besides planting these shrubs in the ideal spot and giving them proper care, you must pay attention at the time of the year you are doing so. After all, your plants will grow better if you plant them when the temperatures are ideal for their growth.
If you want to learn when to plant raspberries in Oregon, keep reading! Here, you’ll find answers to your doubts (and much more)!
When to Plant Raspberries in Oregon
Raspberries come from a bush. There are two types of raspberries. Some produce harvests between June and July, while others produce berries in the fall and the following summer.
Depending on the variety you pick for your garden, you will have to plant them at different times of the year.
We recommend you start with one-year-old plants: doing so will ensure your plants will produce without much effort. Plant them in late spring if you live in Oregon.
April and May are ideal months to add your raspberry plants to your yard. If you live in the southern parts of the state, you might also consider planting them in late autumn to get more fruits during the following summer.
But beware: temperatures shouldn’t fall below 35F for your plants to survive through the winter. Raspberry plants can be killed by frost.
So, in general, you should only plant your raspberries outdoors when the threat of frost passes. Look at your local weather forecast: the climate can change from one year to the next! So we recommend you not to rely too much on production and average frost dates.
Growing Raspberries in Oregon: Our Tips
But what can you do to ensure your raspberries grow healthy and strong?
For starters, you must select a location that receives plenty of sunlight during the day. Yes, it is true: these fruits might grow even in partial shade, but they will give you more crops under the full sun.
The soil must be well-draining and fertile, better if slightly acidic. Don’t forget to protect your plants from strong winds (if necessary): raspberries are susceptible to wind damage and might never recover.
These plants also don’t like to have wet feet: avoid planting them somewhere with poor drainage. Also, only water your plants when the soil feels dry: doing so will prevent the spread of infections and diseases (including root rot).
If you live in the south of Oregon, where summers get extremely hot, you must add a layer of mulch around your plants. Besides improving water retention, doing so will also help regulate the soil’s temperature and prevent thermal shocks. Also, mulching can keep weeds at bay.
Don’t forget to replace the layer of mulch regularly: you should always have a thick layer at all times.
Depending on the variety you decide to plant, you may have to support your shrubs. Add canes to encourage vertical growth and make the most out of your plants.
Also, don’t forget to remove any “suckers” that might grow away from your plants: they will absorb essential nutrients from your shrubs. The result will be fewer crops the following year.
Harvesting Raspberries
Don’t be afraid if your plant doesn’t produce raspberries during its first year. These plants won’t give you any crops until their second season. Under optimal growing conditions, your plants will be productive.
Expect to get plenty of berries during the summer. Don’t forget to pick them up every couple of days to prevent them from rotting and encourage more production.
If you can, harvest your berries on a sunny day under dry conditions. Also, avoid picking the fruits too harshly: ripe raspberries should come off their vines without too much pressure.
The bad thing about raspberries (which explains why they cost so much at supermarkets and stores) is that they won’t last fresh for more than a couple of days.
We recommend you enjoy them soon after you harvest your berries. Don’t wash them if you are not going to eat them. If you know you won’t be able to consume all of them, consider freezing them!
Related Article: When to Plant Peppers in Oregon?