Raspberry Autumn Treasure: A Berry That’s Perfect for Extending Your Harvest Season

Rubus idaeus

Raspberry ‘Autumn Treasure’ is a top-performing, autumn-fruiting raspberry variety, fast becoming a favourite among UK gardeners. Bred in Britain with disease resistance and flavour in mind, this exceptional primocane variety produces an abundant crop of large, juicy, and richly flavoured berries from August to October. Ideal for organic gardening, ‘Autumn Treasure’ boasts impressive resistance to Raspberry Root Rot, Verticillium Wilt, and Powdery Mildew—three common issues that often plague raspberry growers.

Thanks to its thorn-free, self-supporting canes, it’s also remarkably easy to manage and harvest. Whether you’re a novice gardener or a seasoned grower, Raspberry ‘Autumn Treasure’ offers a reliable, low-maintenance route to homegrown fruit success.

Selecting the Perfect Planting Site

Choose a sunny, open location with fertile, free-draining soil for best results. While ‘Autumn Treasure’ is robust, it will benefit significantly from a sheltered position that protects its upright canes from strong winds. Before planting, enrich the soil with generous quantities of well-rotted manure or compost. This ensures your raspberry plants have immediate access to the nutrients they need for vigorous growth and prolific fruiting.

Soil Preparation Tips:

• Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0–6.5).
• To reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases, avoid planting in areas where raspberries or potatoes have previously grown.
• Improve drainage on heavier soils by incorporating horticultural grit or raising beds.

1. Spacing: Plant the raspberry canes approximately 60cm (2ft) apart, with rows spaced about 1.5m (5ft) apart to allow for good air circulation and easy access for picking.
2. Planting Depth: Fan out the roots in the planting hole and ensure the base of the cane sits just below the soil surface.
3. Water Thoroughly: After planting, deep water each cane to help settle the soil and initiate strong root development.
4. Mulching: Apply a thick mulch of organic matter, such as bark, manure, or straw, around the base of each plant. This helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and protect roots from fluctuating temperatures.

Watering and Feeding

Consistent moisture is vital during the growing season. Keep the soil evenly moist, particularly during hot, dry spells and when fruit forms. Avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root problems. In early spring, apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser and top-dress with manure to support strong cane development and maximise fruit production.

Pruning for Fruitful Results

‘Autumn Treasure’ is a primocane variety that fruits on the current season’s growth. To encourage strong, healthy shoots:

• Cut newly planted canes back to around 30cm after planting.
• At the end of the season (late autumn or early winter), prune all fruited canes right down to ground level. This helps reset the plant for vigorous new growth in spring.

This annual pruning regime is simple, and it keeps your raspberry patch tidy and productive year after year.

While Raspberry ‘Autumn Treasure’ is self-supporting under most conditions, using a support system can make a noticeable difference in overall plant health and ease of harvesting. Consider installing a raspberry support frame, obelisk, or even a bamboo wigwam to:

• Keep canes upright and tidy.
• Prevent fruit from sitting on the soil, reducing spoilage.
• Improve airflow through the plants, which lowers the risk of fungal disease.

When and How to Harvest

You can expect your first crop in the first full growing season after planting, with peak harvest time falling between late August and October. Pick the raspberries when they are deep red, plump, and come away easily from the plant. Harvest in the morning once the dew has dried for the best flavour and sweetness.

Check plants every few days during peak season—berries ripen quickly and are best eaten fresh.

Raspberry ‘Autumn Treasure’ produces sweet, aromatic fruit that is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Popular uses include:

• Fresh Snacking: Enjoy straight from the garden or in fruit salads.
• Jam Making: The sweet berries are perfect for homemade jams and preserves.
• Baking and Desserts: Use in sponge cakes, raspberry crumbles, tarts, or cheesecakes.
• Freezing: Freeze surplus fruit in a single layer, then store in containers for smoothies or baking throughout the year.

Natural Disease Resistance

One of the standout features of Raspberry ‘Autumn Treasure’ is its strong natural resistance to several common raspberry diseases, making it especially suitable for organic gardening. It performs well even in areas where root rot and wilt issues are a concern.

Preventative Care Tips:

• Powdery Mildew: Maintain good spacing and airflow around canes; avoid overhead watering.
• Pests (e.g. aphids): Inspect regularly for signs of infestation. Encourage beneficial predators like ladybirds and lacewings, or use an organic insecticidal soap if needed.
• Bird Protection: Consider using netting if birds start stealing ripening berries.

If you’re seeking a productive, low-maintenance raspberry that delivers reliably year after year, ‘Autumn Treasure’ is a superb choice. Its excellent flavour, disease resistance, and ease of care make it a favourite among UK gardeners. Whether grown in the ground or containers, this variety will reward you with delicious fruit baskets throughout late summer and autumn.

With just a little preparation and regular attention, Raspberry ‘Autumn Treasure’ will become a staple of your garden’s harvest season.

There’s something gratifying about growing Raspberry ‘Autumn Treasure’—one of those varieties that gives back generously with little fuss. I’ve grown it for several years, and it never impresses me. The thorn-free canes make it a joy to pick, especially when you’ve got kids helping out, and the late-season berries are perfect for extending the fruit harvest well into autumn. I love how resilient it is—no worrying about root rot or mildew, which can be a headache with other types. Whether I’m enjoying them fresh in the garden or simmering them into a batch of jam on a chilly September evening, these raspberries never disappoint. If you’re after a reliable, productive, and low-maintenance soft fruit for your patch, ‘Autumn Treasure’ is a variety I wholeheartedly recommend. It’s a real keeper in my garden.

Key Points to Remember:

• Plant in a sunny position with well-drained soil
• Space canes 60cm apart and enrich the soil with compost or manure
• Water well and mulch to protect roots from cold temperatures
• Prune all canes to ground level at the end of autumn
• Enjoy a delicious, heavy crop from August to October
• Resistant to common raspberry diseases, making it ideal for organic gardening

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a thriving crop of Raspberry Autumn Treasure and ensure a plentiful harvest of tasty, homegrown berries year after year!

To see the RHS article, please click here

For more information on Fruit for your garden, please click here

Read about Raspberry Enrosadira here.

Q: What is the Autumn Treasure Raspberry, and how does it differ from summer-fruiting varieties?

A: The Autumn Treasure Raspberry is a delicious autumn-fruiting variety of Rubus idaeus. Unlike summer-fruiting raspberries, which produce fruit on last year’s canes, the Autumn Treasure produces fruit on primocanes, providing tasty berries in the first season!

Q: How many canes should I plant for a good raspberry harvest?

A: To begin with, planting six canes is ideal! This will provide you with a nice crop without overcrowding. Plus, with the Autumn Treasure, you’ll enjoy those berries in no time.

Q: Can I buy raspberry plants as bare-root options?

A: Absolutely! You can buy bare-root raspberry plants, which are often hand-graded for quality. Just plant them in well-drained soil with plenty of well-rotted manure or garden compost to give them a good start. Buy Autumn Treasure Raspberry here.

Q: Do I need to support my raspberry canes?

A: That’s a good question! While the Autumn Treasure Raspberry has self-supporting spine-free canes, providing some support, like a trellis or an obelisk, can help keep the canes upright and make picking easier.

Q: What type of soil do these raspberries prefer?

A: Autumn Treasure Raspberries thrive in well-drained soil. Ensure you mix in plenty of well-rotted manure or compost to give them the nutrients they need for a fantastic harvest!

Q: How do I care for my Autumn Treasure Raspberry plants?

A: It’s pretty straightforward! Plant them in well-drained soil and ensure they get enough sunlight. Also, watch out for pests and diseases, and consider using certified plants for the best results.

Q: How quickly can I expect to see fruit from my raspberry canes?

A: If you plant your Autumn Treasure canes properly, you can expect to crop in their first season! Give them some care and attention, and you’ll enjoy fresh raspberries in no time.

Q: Are there any special traits of the Autumn Treasure Raspberry that make it unique?

A: Yes! This variety is British-bred and features spine-free canes, which make picking a pleasure. It also has an excellent tolerance to raspberry root rot, making it a solid choice for many gardens.

Q: What’s the best way to ensure a healthy raspberry harvest?

A: Ensure you plant in well-drained soil, provide enough sunlight, and use good quality, hand-graded bare-root plants. Regularly check for pests and diseases; you’ll be on track for a bountiful raspberry harvest!