Pruning Raspberry Bushes: Essential Guide for Summer and Fall-Bearing Varieties
Quick Facts
- Best Time to Prune: Late winter for summer-bearing, early spring and fall for everbearing varieties
- Tools Needed: Sharp pruning shears, loppers, garden gloves, trellis system
- Frequency: Annual maintenance plus post-harvest cleanup
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate, depending on variety and training system
Raspberry Types and Their Pruning Needs
Summer-Bearing (Floricane)
- Fruit on second-year canes
- Remove fruited canes after harvest
- Train new canes for next year
- Maintain 5-8 canes per linear foot
Fall-Bearing (Primocane)
- Fruit on first-year canes
- Can be mowed down annually
- Option for both fall and summer crop
- Simpler maintenance overall
Training Systems
Hill System
- Plant raspberries in clumps spaced 2-3 feet apart
- Maintain 5-8 canes per hill
- Good air circulation
- Easy harvest access
Hedgerow System
- Plants form continuous row
- Space rows 6-8 feet apart
- Keep row width at 12-18 inches
- Higher yield potential
Seasonal Pruning Calendar
Spring (March-May)
- Remove winter-damaged canes
- Thin out weak primocanes
- Begin training new growth
Summer (June-August)
- Remove fruited floricanes
- Continue training new growth
- Maintain row width
Fall (September-November)
- Final cleanup of old canes
- Prune fall-bearing varieties
- Secure canes for winter
Winter (December-February)
- Major pruning of summer-bearing
- Remove damaged canes
- Plan spring training
Step-by-Step Pruning Guide
- Identify Cane Types
- First-year canes (primocanes) are green/brown
- Second-year canes (floricanes) have peeling bark
- Dead canes are gray and brittle
- Remove Dead and Damaged Canes
- Cut at ground level
- Remove any diseased canes
- Clear away debris
- Thin Remaining Canes
- Keep 5-8 strong canes per linear foot
- Remove weak or spindly canes
- Maintain proper spacing
- Train to Support System
- Secure canes to trellis
- Space evenly for air circulation
- Adjust ties as needed
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-crowding: Too many canes reduce air flow and increase disease risk
- Poor timing: Pruning at wrong time can reduce yield
- Incorrect identification: Mixing up primocanes and floricanes
- Inadequate support: Weak trellis systems lead to broken canes