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

Rubus idaeus

Raspberry Autumn Treasure: Simple Steps for a Successful Berry Crop

Raspberry Autumn Treasure is an exceptional autumn fruiting variety that delivers large, tasty raspberry fruits from August to October. This British-bred variety is perfect for organic gardening, thanks to its strong resistance to Raspberry Root Rot, Verticillium Wilt, and Powdery Mildew. With spine-free canes that make picking easy, this self-supporting raspberry plant is a fantastic choice for gardeners looking to enjoy fresh, homegrown berries.

Choosing the Right Location

For optimal growth, plant Raspberry Autumn Treasure in a sunny position with well-drained soil. A sheltered spot will help protect the canes from strong winds. Prior to planting, enrich the soil with well-rotted manure or garden compost to ensure the plants have access to essential nutrients.

Planting Your Raspberry Canes

• Space the canes 60cm apart in rows to allow air circulation.
• Lay out the roots carefully before covering them with soil.
• Water well after planting to encourage strong root development.
• Apply a mulch to protect the roots from cold temperatures and retain moisture.

Watering and Feeding

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water well during dry periods, especially when the fruit is forming. Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to support healthy growth and fruit production.

Pruning for Maximum Yield

Raspberry Autumn Treasure is a primocane variety, meaning it produces fruit on the current season’s canes. Canes should be pruned to 30cm after planting to encourage strong shoots. At the end of autumn, cut all canes to ground level to ensure vigorous new growth for the following year.

Supporting Your Raspberry Canes

Although this variety is self-supporting, using an obelisk or wigwam structure can help keep the canes upright. This also makes harvesting easier and improves air circulation around the plants.

When to Harvest

The estimated time to cropping once planted is relatively short, with peak yields expected in late autumn. Pick the berries when they are bright red and firm for the best flavour.

Best Ways to Enjoy Your Harvest

• Fresh Eating: These berries are perfect for eating straight from the garden.
• Jams and Preserves: Their sweet flavour makes them ideal for homemade jams.
• Baking: Use in pies, tarts, and cakes.
• Freezing: Store surplus berries to enjoy year-round.

Common Issues and How to Prevent Them

• Raspberry Root Rot and Verticillium Wilt: Raspberry Autumn Treasure is resistant to these diseases, making it a great choice for organic growers.
• Powdery Mildew: Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
• Pests: Keep an eye out for aphids and use natural predators to keep them under control.

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, ensuring 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

Frequently Asked Questions

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, meaning it provides tasty berries in the first season!

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

A: To begin with, planting 6 canes is ideal! This will provide you with a nice crop without overcrowding. Plus, with the Autumn Treasure, you’ll be enjoying those berries in no time.

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

A: Absolutely! You can buy raspberry plants bare-root, and they’re often hand-graded for quality. Just ensure you 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: 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 garden 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 quite straightforward! Besides planting them in well-drained soil, 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! Just give them some care and attention, and you’ll be enjoying 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 makes picking a pleasure. Plus, it has 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 any pests and diseases, and you’ll be on track for a bountiful raspberry harvest!