When to Plant Raspberries?

When to plant raspberries? The ideal time and how to start

The perfect time to plant raspberries

Raspberries are delicious summer fruits that you can easily grow in your own garden. But like many other plants, raspberries are all about timing. Want delicious, juicy raspberries? Then you need to know when the best time to plant them is.

In the open ground, you ideally plant raspberries in the fall, between late October and early December. This gives the young plants time to establish roots before spring arrives. Prefer to plant in the spring? That's also possible, but preferably as early as possible—early March is your starting point.

Planting raspberries in a greenhouse or glasshouse

Do you have a greenhouse or conservatory? Then you're at an advantage. Such an environment makes it easier to experiment with early planting. Plant your raspberries there as early as February, on a mild, overcast day. A day without frost and preferably a little damp (think: just after a light rain shower) is ideal to prevent dehydration during planting.

In a greenhouse, you also avoid the biggest enemy of young raspberries: late frost. You also extend the harvest season, allowing you to enjoy your raspberries earlier and sometimes even longer.

Autumn raspberries vs. summer raspberries

Not all raspberries are the same. There are summer raspberries, which bear fruit on the previous year's wood, and autumn raspberries, which bear fruit during the current growing season. The latter are often easier for beginners. Why? Because you can easily prune them back to the ground each year.

For autumn raspberries, planting in February or March is also ideal in a greenhouse. In open ground, October or November is best. Summer raspberries can also be planted between these two periods, as long as the ground isn't frozen.

How to Plant Raspberries for a Delicious Harvest

Choose the right spot

Raspberries love a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Too wet? Then you'll quickly run into root rot. Too dry? Then you'll be left with dry, tasteless raspberries. So, create a balance: an airy, fertile soil without puddles is ideal.

Do you have a spot that catches the early morning sun, but is also well-protected from the strongest midday sun? Then you're in luck: raspberries love warmth, but not full-on cooking in the sun.

The right substrate and preparation

Before you start planting, it's important to carefully prepare the soil. Mix compost or organic fertilizer into the soil, and consider adding some perlite for better drainage. You can find our potting soil and soil improvers here in our collection .

Then plant your raspberries, keeping at least 40 cm between each plant. Provide support right away: a few wires strung between posts makes a world of difference.

Raspberries in a jar: also an option

Don't have a garden? No problem. You can also grow raspberries in a pot on your balcony or patio. Choose a large pot, at least 10 liters, and use a mix of airy potting soil with hydroponic clays at the bottom. You can find hydroponic clays here ; they're perfect for extra drainage.

Make sure the pot gets plenty of sun and water regularly, but don't drown the roots. Tip: use a plant hanger if you want to save space or encourage the plant to climb.

After planting: care and pruning

After planting, it's best to water immediately. This is especially important on dry autumn days. Cover the soil with mulch or straw to retain moisture and prevent weeds.

Summer raspberries are pruned after harvest—only the old canes that have borne fruit should be removed. Autumn raspberries? You prune them back completely in winter, making them ideal if you want less maintenance.

Need more fruity inspiration?

Raspberries are delicious, but why stop there? Consider other fruity friends:

• You can plant strawberries in the ground starting in March. Read all about the best time here .
• Grapevines are ideally planted in the fall — find out more about planting grapes on this page .
• Looking for a tropical green accent? Then be sure to check out our Musa tropicana , a small indoor banana plant.

Prefer fruit trees instead of shrubs? Then be sure to read our article about when to plant an apple tree .

What if you don't have a garden?

No garden doesn't mean you can't develop a green thumb. Start indoors with easy-to-grow fruit plants in pots, or create a small potted vegetable garden on your balcony. We also have all kinds of grow-it-yourself kits , allowing you to grow mini strawberry or chili trees, for example—perfect for beginners or children.

No room for shrubs? Then climbing plants like the Epipremnum Golden Pothos are an ideal alternative for edible or decorative plants in limited spaces.

Any further questions about plants?

At De Plantrekkers, we're here to help you with all your gardening questions, whether you're planning to plant a raspberry bush or looking for advice on the best potting soil for your Ficus . You'll also find fun extras like moss sticks and watering cans to help your plants truly thrive.

What you should definitely remember

It's best to plant raspberries on a cloudy day in October or November, or in early March if you didn't manage to do so during the winter. In a greenhouse, you can start as early as February. Both autumn and summer raspberries have their own preferences and pruning schedules, so choose the variety that best suits your garden style.

Make some room in your garden, pot, or greenhouse, because those wonderful summer vibes start with the right planting time. Ready to get started? Then now's the perfect time to put your raspberry plan into action!