How To Prune Raspberry Bushes In New Zealand

Understanding Raspberry Varieties

Before diving into the pruning process, it's important to understand the two main types of raspberry plants: summer-bearing and autumn-bearing (also known as everbearing). Each type requires different care and pruning techniques.

Summer-Bearing Raspberries

Summer-bearing raspberries produce fruit once a year on two-year-old canes. These canes grow one year, bear fruit the next, and then die. Therefore, pruning involves removing the old canes after they have fruited.

Popular Summer-Bearing Raspberry Varieties

• Tulameen: Known for its large, firm berries with excellent flavour and good disease resistance.
• Glen Prosen: Favoured for its juicy, sweet berries and adaptability to NZ conditions.
• Qualicum: An early producer with large, tasty berries and good shelf life.

Autumn-Bearing Raspberries

In contrast, autumn-bearing raspberries produce fruit on first-year canes, typically from late summer into autumn. These canes can be pruned to the ground each year, as they will produce fruit again the following year.

Popular Autumn-Bearing Raspberry Varieties

• Heritage: Known for its large, firm berries with excellent flavour and extended harvest period.
• Autumn Bliss: Produces sweet, medium-sized fruit and is widely grown for home gardens.
• ‘Joan J’: A thornless variety with high yields of tasty, bright red berries.
• ‘Polka’: Early ripening with large, glossy fruit and good disease resistance.
• ‘Caroline’: Noted for its vigorous growth and sweet, firm berries ideal for fresh eating and freezing.

Raspberry Varieties in NZ

Raspberry varieties in New Zealand offer a delicious range of flavours and growth habits suited to local climates. From sweet summer-bearing types to everbearing varieties, raspberries thrive in NZ gardens and orchards. Choosing the right variety ensures a bountiful harvest of juicy, vibrant berries perfect for fresh eating, preserves, and desserts throughout the season.

• Explore our full range of raspberry varieties
• See compact and heritage raspberry options

When to Prune Raspberries in New Zealand

Timing is a crucial aspect of effective raspberry care. The best time to prune raspberries in New Zealand depends on the variety. Summer-bearing Raspberries should be pruned in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Autumn-bearing Raspberries should be pruned in late winter after the final harvest, or in early spring.

How to Prune Summer-Bearing Raspberries

Remove Old Canes

After the summer harvest, identify and remove all canes that have fruited. These canes will appear brown and woody. Cut them at ground level, making sure not to damage any new canes that will produce next season’s fruit.

Thin the New Canes

Select the healthiest new canes to keep for next year's fruiting. Aim to keep about 6-8 of the strongest canes per meter of row. Remove any weak, thin, or damaged canes.

Train the Canes

Use garden ties to secure the remaining canes to a support structure. This helps keep the canes upright and spaced properly, allowing for good air circulation and sun exposure.

How to Prune Autumn-Bearing Raspberries

Cut All Canes to the Ground

After the final autumn harvest, or in early spring, cut all canes down to ground level. This may seem drastic, but it encourages vigorous new growth that will bear fruit in the upcoming season.

Clear Away Debris

Rake away any fallen leaves and cut canes to prevent disease and pest problems. This cleanup is an important part of raspberry plant maintenance.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Pruning at the Wrong Time

Timing is crucial. Pruning too early or too late can affect the plant's ability to produce fruit. Always follow the recommended pruning schedule for your raspberry variety.

Removing Too Many Canes

While it's important to thin canes, removing too many can reduce your harvest. Aim to keep the strongest canes and remove only those that are weak or have already fruited.

Ignoring Cane Training

Neglecting to support and train your canes can lead to tangled growth, making it difficult to harvest and increasing the risk of disease. Use garden ties and a support system to keep canes organized.

The Benefits of Proper Pruning

Pruning may seem like a lot of work, but the benefits are well worth the effort. By following this raspberry pruning guide, you can expect:

• Increased Yield: Proper pruning encourages more fruit production.
• Healthier Plants: Removing old and diseased canes reduces the risk of plant diseases.
• Easier Harvesting: Well-maintained plants make it easier to pick ripe berries.

Tips for Raspberry Cane Care

Raspberry cane care is essential for healthy plants and bountiful harvests. Proper watering, pruning, and support promote strong growth and prevent disease. Regular monitoring for pests and providing nutrient-rich soil help raspberry canes thrive in New Zealand gardens, ensuring vigorous plants and abundant, delicious fruit each season. Strong winds or heavy fruit loads can cause canes to bend or break. To avoid this, use a trellis or wire system to support the canes. This is especially crucial for summer-bearing raspberries, which have longer canes. Regularly inspect your raspberry plants for signs of disease such as discoloured leaves or abnormal growth. Early detection can prevent the spread of diseases and ensure a healthy crop.