(Rubus spp.)

We have several floricane raspberry cultivars, which generally give higher yields than primocane raspberries.  Floricane raspberries produce fruit on the second year’s growth while primocanes flower and fruit in the same year. 

A 2006 study from the Crop Diversification Centre in Brooks found that floricane raspberries easily outyielded primocane cultivars.  Red Bounty had the highest yield of both floricane and primocane berries with 7222 kg/ha.

Most raspberry cultivars have a mature height of 3-6 feet and a spread of 4-5 feet.  Some sucker more than others – those with less suckering should be planted in home gardens where space might be at a premium.

Raspberries should be spaced at 2-3 feet within the row.  Between row spacing can vary, depending on the degree of suckering.

SK Red Bounty

The SK designation means that this cold-hardy raspberry was developed at the University of Saskatchewan.  It is superior to Boyne for yield and winter hardiness, and has similar great taste.  

True to its name, it is very bountiful.  It is a prolific producer with large berries.  As one market gardener put it "it produces, and produces and produces!"  In a raspberry trial conducted by Alberta Agriculture in southern Alberta, it had the highest yield of 4 cultivars.  It has been field-tested in Alberta and has shown little or no winter kill, so hardiness is very good.

It is compact and takes a few years to get tall, so it is more manageable than some other cultivars and will be easy to handle in a back yard or market garden setting.

Wyoming

This is a black raspberry with a unique raspberry/blackberry flavour.  It is the hardiest of the black raspberries and is non-suckering. The branches are long and arching so they may need to be supported.

SK Steadfast

Another U of S raspberry that is best-suited for home gardens.  It shows low suckering so it won’t spread to any extent, making it good for gardens with limited space.  It has greater hardiness than Boyne but lower yield.  It produces over a long period with greatest production in mid-season.

Honeyqueen

A golden raspberry cultivar with a flavour that has been described as apricot-like.  It doesn’t have the tartness of red raspberries – very tasty!