RASPBERRIES
Raspberries are one of the most popular berry fruits grown in Australia. They grow especially
well in Victoria and Tasmania.
Chris and Maries Plant Farms has a summer
fruiting variety of raspberry cane called CHILCOTIN, This cane is a mid season variety. The
picking of these canes lasts from 3-4 weeks, ripening in December. Chil Cotin also produces an
autumn crop from March to June. Frequent watering in January until March will encourage the
second crop. The canes can grow quite tall (6ft) so staking and or tying is a good idea in the
picking season. |
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 TO GROW
Raspberries need a well-worked soil, in an area with protection from strong winds and
afternoon sun.
The plants also dislike ground that is too wet. The soil should be prepared beforehand with
manure and or fertiliser; this area also needs to be kept clear of weeds.
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WHEN TO PLANT
The canes should be planted from July to September, and set out 1 to 1.25 metres apart in
straight rows. They need to be dug 15 cm deep into the ground and 2-3 canes can be planted
into the same hole. During the first season it is better to produce strong canes and pick the
fruit the second season.
After a couple of seasons the plants may produce excessive suckers which should be cut back by
hand. |
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The seasons in Victoria will mean the plants will
need to be watered from December onwards, at least weekly, even when the picking is finished.
This keeps the canes healthy and with this variety ensures a second picking season. |
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PICKING
Flowers will appear on the canes in mid-October, and the fruit will be ready to pick from
mid-December for roughly 4 weeks until the end of January. You can pick the berries every 3-4
days. They are also a great berry to freeze. |
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